Increased intensity and the ability to absorb pressure will be key to the Hurricanes’ chances of picking up another win over the Blues in their Super Rugby clash in Wellington on Friday, says inside centre Tim Bateman.

The Blues, winless since their third-round 29-23 win over the Bulls in Pretoria, are desperate for victory as they battle to salvage a season in which they are running last in the 15-team competition.

The Hurricanes are 10th and looking to turn around back-to-back losses to the Crusaders and Chiefs in their past two starts.

Bateman says the Hurricanes, who eased past the Blues 26-25 in round five at Eden Park, realise they need an across-the-board lift in concentration if they want to secure their fifth win of the season.

“Upping our intensity is quite important for us – in defence especially,” said Bateman.

“The Crusaders and Chiefs were a bit more intense than us in the last two weeks … I think New Zealand sides in general bring a little more intensity than the Australians and South Africans.”

Bateman’s combination with young halfback TJ Perenara and five-eighth Beauden Barrett is growing stronger with every game, and the former Crusaders midfielder says the trio are looking forward to testing themselves against a Blues backline which features some familiar faces.

Former Hurricane Piri Weepu is the starting halfback, with Michael Hobbs coming in at No.10 for Gareth Anscombe and Ma’a Nonu lining up opposite Bateman at inside centre.

Bateman says it’s always enjoyable playing against the best but he’s wary of concentrating too much on one aspect of the Blues game.

“They’ve got class right through their side and, if you focus too much on one or two players, you can get yourself into trouble.”