Seeing the Blues' traits that carried them to a championship last year was encouraging, and Cotter would like to see them take it to another level until the end of the season.
He responded to claims the Blues' style wasn't always attractive to watch by saying, "When the Chiefs do it, everyone says it's powerful and when we do, it's boring. It's just the narrative. The most important thing is to score and then defend when you don't have the ball, get it back and score again."
Cotter said it would be another trip to the well for the forward pack after a bruising encounter with the Drua in Fiji last week.
"It's going to be a big, physical encounter. That's front-of-mind stuff for us.
"Moana Pasifika have found a way to play that suits them. Their kicking game is about getting to the right parts of the field, and their power carries give them access to the try line. So, first and foremost, you've got to be up defensively.
"When they carry it, you've got to be smart about how you use the ball as well and not give them too many opportunities."
Cotter expects an improved showing from Moana Pasifika, and the game will be tighter, and the requirement to win will involve working harder to combat their challenge.
Having wing Caleb Clarke back is a boost for the side.
"He offers his left-foot kick, and his power, and ability to catch the ball in the air. All of those components will be important to us. Having him there is good."
Cotter said having had consecutive wins doesn't increase or decrease the pressure on him or the side.
"It's just business as usual. It's dealing with your week, depending on what that week is, whether it's a travel week or a home week, and the players putting in decent performances and working hard.
"It's a game at a time. We don't look too far ahead.
"This is another important game and, win or lose, we'll deal with that.
"Whether it's Moana or any other team, it's an important game and we want to perform well. We want to string things together and be better than last week.
"We'll get challenged, and we're talking about adapting and finding ways to win. That's the key to us, and the boys are bringing their energy and concentration."
Cotter was also conscious of Moana Pasifika coming off a bye, which would see them start the game hard and fast, and the Blues could expect to have to weather that storm by staying focused and locked down.
"Discipline will be the key in this game, and that's what we're working on."