Back from elbow injury, Dane Coles will play from the bench against the the Crusaders at Westpac Stadium in Wellington tomorrow.

According to those who spout the blue-and-gold mantra, the Highlanders should resume their winning methods after last week's stumble.

Akira Ioane has a big chance to cement himself in the Blues loose forward trio after being selected ahead of All Black Steven Luatua for tomorrow's match.

Losing the world's best player is undoubtedly a blow, but as his Chiefs teammate Sam Cane puts it, "we've played bugger-all rugby with Brodie this year."

The Herald learned of Sir John's plea - understood to be given at Tuesday night's board meeting - late yesterday.

A penitent Bismarck du Plessis will return to the Sharks' front row for tomorrow's match against the Highlanders in Dunedin but will not resume the captaincy.

Marty McKenzie hopes he can hang on to the Chiefs' No10 jersey - then have little brother Damian wash it for him.

Judge me after three years, Blues coach Sir John Kirwan suggested. That verdict is straightforward, writes Wynne Gray.

The Crusaders got more traction when they kept the ball instead of hoofing it downfield but still look a little uncertain about their attacking methods and transition, writes Wynne Gray.

Only six matches remain in their team's season but the Blues board has yet to decide who will coach the team next year, according to CEO Michael Redman.

James Marshall has a unique job description that varies every week.

For the coach of a table-topping team, Dave Rennie cut a rather glum figure on Friday night.

If the Crusaders want to feature at the top end of the table, a handful of individuals need to take greater responsibility for their performances, writes Richard Loe.

As the Blues board consider who will coach the team next year - and with half this season gone, they must be - Wayne Smith has to be close to the top of their list.

If the Blues are on the hunt for a new coach, which surely they are, their silence on the matter is potentially closing the door on the best possible candidates.

How the Blues must be wondering when this interminable season is going to end. The defeats are blurring now.

Tomorrow's game between the Hurricanes and the Reds in Brisbane shapes as a banana-skin encounter for the Hurricanes.

They have done great service for the All Blacks and their Super Rugby sides, but right now many of the Crusaders and Blues' senior players are struggling to get out of a rut.