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

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

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

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."

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.

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.

Jerome Kaino and Charles Piutau will return for the Blues to play fellow strugglers the Force on Saturday.

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.

The Hurricanes continue to stay a step ahead of the Chiefs ahead of next month's New Zealand Conference showdown.

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.

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.

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.

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.