Blues on high in training

Blues outside centre Jared Payne is expecting another tough battle in South Africa on Saturday as his Super 15 team go up against an improved Lions outfit.
The Pat Lam-coached Blues head into the game on the back of their seventh consecutive loss to the Sharks after their game plan fell apart in Durban last Saturday.
Last year's Northland skipper Payne said the side were determined to correct their errors which cost them the round two match to the Sharks, by training at altitude all week ahead of the third round Super 15 match in Johannesburg.
"We were a bit disappointed with our performance against the Sharks last week. We have things to work on - we need to look after the ball more and concentrate on building our phases," he said from Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Payne was part of the backline who impressed at times during Saturday's effort, defending gallantly against a slick Sharks backline that had plenty of ball to play with.
Payne was modest about his performance, however, saying it was hard to be happy with your own game and what you do as an individual player when your team is losing.
Payne - a former Crusader who owns a house in Christchurch, said while it was a massive tragedy, last week's earthquake was not an excuse for losing against the Sharks.
"My partner and I have a house down there but no family ... luckily my partner made it out OK so that was the main thing. The house is still standing - but it is a bit of a mess inside, which I will deal with when I get back, I guess. Obviously the earthquake was a huge tragedy but it didn't distract me from my job against the Sharks," he said.
The focus of Payne and the Blues now switches to how they will confront the Lions, playing at altitude at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The Lions, who lost all 13 games last season, were beaten by the Bulls in round one and the Stormers last weekend, and will be out to prove themselves in round three.
"They are not the Lions team of old - they are definitely a much-improved team. They're good on attack, they look after the ball and defensively, they are strong. It will be a tough game - and playing at altitude might make things a little bit more difficult but I'm looking forward to it, it should be a good battle," Payne said.
The Blues contingent were spending the week training at altitude, getting used to it.
"By the time the game comes around, it shouldn't be a problem for us," Payne added.
While the 26-12 loss to the Sharks last weekend after upsetting the Crusaders in round one was not ideal for gaining momentum in the early rounds of the competition, Payne said his new teammates were gelling well and coming together nicely as the contest heats up.
"Everyone is going pretty good and there's a buzz about the team."
The Blues kick off against the Lions at Ellis Park, Johannesburg on Saturday at 6.10am (NZT).