But the ACT Brumbies say they don't fear a trip to New Zealand and a hoodoo that has haunted the Wallabies since 1986.

It was the venue that ended Pat McCabe's career last year when he broke his neck for a third time.

Instead, the Brumbies say they will treat the Blues' "fortress" with respect as they prepare for a crucial Super Rugby battle that has huge ramifications for the season.

The Brumbies have won two of their past three matches at Eden Park, but their success in Auckland has been limited, including a 23-7 defeat in the grand final in 1997.

The Cricket World Cup venue has been transformed back into a rugby stadium and Blues veteran Keven Mealamu hopes returning to Eden Park can end the longest losing streak in the club's history.

"We're pretty excited about being back there; it's our first time there this year because of the cricket," Mealamu said.

"There's a lot of history there, a lot of big games and a lot of great players. When you get a chance to play on Eden Park, you want to leave your own mark on the field.

"Our record at home over the past few years has been really good ... this is a chance to reconnect with our home and hopefully this can be the spark for change."

The Blues have struggled in recent years, making the Super Rugby finals just once since 2008.

They have lost nine games in a row, including seven this season, and are anchored to the bottom of the Super Rugby ladder.

"[Eden Park] is our home and the spiritual home of rugby in New Zealand, the Blues and Auckland. For me it holds so many special memories and I think, for the team, it is our fortress," Blues coach Sir John Kirwan said.

The Brumbies are refusing to buy into the Blues' poor form this season, adamant they are a dangerous team despite their standing on the ladder.

Their team is littered with New Zealand All Blacks representatives and Kirwan will have them fired up to put a dent in the Brumbies' title aspirations.

The match looms as an important fixture for the Brumbies this year.

It is wedged in between four home games, and a loss in Auckland will give the NSW Waratahs a chance to challenge them for the spot at the top of the Australian conference.

"It's always difficult to win in Auckland, normally because of the conditions and a home ground advantage is huge," Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.

"Australian rugby has struggled over there. The Blues and New Zealand rugby rise there. We thought we took a step forward with our game last weekend and we want to continue taking that progress."

SUPER RUGBY ROUND NINE

Friday: Auckland Blues v ACT Brumbies at Eden Park, 5.30pm (AEST). TV time: Live on Fox Sports 2.

Brumbies team: 15. Robbie Coleman, 14. Joseph Tomane, 13. Henry Speight, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. James Dargaville, 10. Matt Toomua, 9. Nic White, 8. Jarrad Butler, 7. David Pocock, 6. Scott Fardy, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Blake Enever, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Scott Sio. Reserves: 16. Josh Mann-Rea, 17. Jean-Pierre Smith, 18. Ruan Smith, 19. Jordan Smiler, 20. Ita Vaea, 21. Michael Dowsett, 22. Lausii Taliauli, 23. Nigel Ah Wong.

Blues team: 15. Charles Piutau, 14. Frank Halai, 13. Pita Ahki, 12. George Moala, 11. Melani Nanai, 10. Dan Bowden, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park, 8. Jerome Kaino, 7. Brendon O'Connor, 6. Luke Braid, 5. Patrick Tuipulotu, 4. Josh Bekhuis, 3. Charlie Faumuina, 2. James Parsons, 1. Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Reserves: 16. Keven Mealamu, 17. Sam Prattley, 18. Angus Ta'avao, 19. Hayden Triggs, 20. Steven Luatua, 21. Jamie Booth, 22. Ihaia West, 23. Francis Saili.