Blues coach Vern Cotter said they hadn't been able to achieve three wins in a row, although they had won three of their last four games.
That pointed to a positive trend in how they are playing at the right time of the season.
"We had a tighter game [last week] against the Waratahs. It wasn't perfect to start, but we worked our way into the game, managed to score 46, and, most importantly, they only scored six.
"That's the type of match mentality you need."
Cotter said not having to worry about the consequences of results in the regular competition had eased the pressure the Blues trained under during the week.
"You're qualified, so it's 80 minutes of rugby. You narrow your focus and try to become as accurate as you can. You can't try things; you've got to go to things that work.
"It's a mixture between hard work and creativity. We had some creative aspects to our game last time we were out. I don't want to lose thos. But it may be cold and wet and we'll have to adapt to whatever the situation it is."
Having lost twice to the Chiefs in the regular season, they know how good they are, so preparation had been straightforward. There was a lift in intensity and focus from all involved.
"It hasn't been an easy season, but we love this time of year. This is what we're in the game for: to be able to challenge for trophies.
"The objective is clear and in front of us."
As top qualifiers, the Chiefs enjoy the luxury of a second chance should they fall on Saturday, but it was a knockout game for the Blues.
"It's simple for us. There must be some calculation for them; for us, there's no calculation. It's a quarterfinal.
"Our focus is clear, it's 80 minutes and we need to win to move forward."
Cotter said the Chiefs have changed how they have played as the season advanced.
"They've kept their wide aspect with Damian's [McKenzie] pivot role in that, and then they've added a little bit of direct play to their game from last year, so they alternate between the two.
"We know it'll be pretty direct if they're in the 22. And, until they get there, they'll shift the ball quickly. That's how they've been scoring points early in games. They've been putting speed into it.
"We've got to be aware and stay connected on defence."
There would be no distraction over departing players, which was dealt with last week in the last game on Eden Park for the competition.