The Blues have named an unchanged side for their must-win Super 14 rugby match against the Hurricanes in Auckland on Friday night.

Coach David Nucifora said he saw no need to alter either the starting 15 or the bench after the Blues' 40-15 bonus-point victory over the Highlanders last weekend.

"The team is performing well and we see no need for change," he said.

"We have stuck with the same forward pack for most of the year and they have produced some excellent results."

Nucifora said he was happy with the way the Blues' scrum and lineout had gone over the past fortnight and it was good to maintain continuity heading into a big game.

He was also pleased with the halfback-five eighth combination of Taniela Moa and Isa Nacewa.

The Blues have gained maximum points, and revived their playoff hopes, in the two matches since Nucifora had Nacewa and Nick Evans trade places, with Evans going to fullback.

To make the semifinals, they need to beat the second-placed Hurricanes at Eden Park, ideally with a bonus point, and hope other results go their way over the rest of the weekend.

The Hurricanes will clinch their playoff spot with a win, but a loss would mean they too would need help from other teams.

Blues: Nick Evans, David Smith, Anthony Tuitavake, Benson Stanley, Rudi Wulf, Isa Nacewa, Taniela Moa, Nick Williams, Daniel Braid, Jerome Kaino, Troy Flavell (capt), Anthony Boric, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Nick White, Bronson Murray, Kurtis Haiu, Justin Collins, Danny Lee, Isaia Toeava, Ben Atiga.

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