Savea said they realised they didn't play to their potential in their first game against the Blues and are more aware of what they need to do and can do well.
"We can train well, but it's when you turn up on game day and if you can nail that. That's the challenge for us because our game is better.
"They're the reigning champions for a reason and it is a big ask on Saturday to try and get the win. We know how much of an effort we need to put in to get that result."
Savea said they felt the Blues bullied the pack last time, so the pressure would be on the pack to front up. If they can do that, it gives them a chance to be in a better position to win.
Coach Tana Umaga said every team plays well when their forward pack gets control. The Blues are big and brutal up front, and with Caleb Clarke back on the wing, they are even bigger.
"We've got to make sure that we contain them and get them going backwards in that contact area. If you can't stop that go-forward then it becomes a hard day."
Achieving that would also lessen the ability of Blues first five-eighths Beauden Barrett dominating the game as he did the last time the teams played.
"We've put ourselves in a place to compete, and that's all we've been asking for from the start. Now we've got to get back on the horse and go again.
"It's been an exciting week leading up to our last home game against our friends across the bridge. There's a lot to play for."
Apart from helping whoever wins firm up a place in the playoffs, the game was also a celebration for Moana Pasifika's supporters and for the players to give something back to them.
"We've probably had our best season so far regarding where we're at. We don't want that to end. We couldn't do it without the support we've been getting. I want our players to understand that this is an exciting time that's been created by them.
"They've just got to keep working hard, going through our processes because that is what gives up the performance we're looking for."
Their preparation was boosted by a visit from boxer Joseph Parker during the week.
Umaga said his message to the players was about focusing on what was important, and achieving a goal sometimes means making sacrifices.
"Sometimes you will make mistakes, but that is how you learn from them, which is the biggest one and how you can move forward, knowing that there's always something to learn."
Umaga said they were not the finished article yet, and part of the motivation for the side was having the players learn what it takes to be professional and what it takes to aim for the top.
"We've had a lot of people come in that represent Pacific excellence, and that's what we want to achieving. We've got people who look like us, who've come from the same background as us, and so it can be done."