A 39-20 defeat at the hands of the Hurricanes in Wellington last night was a frustrating blow to the Blues who have dropped five from eight this year.

Super Rugby's break for the June tests comes at an opportune time for Blues first-five Simon Hickey.

When the Blues look back on their Benji Marshall experiment, regardless of how it turns out, they might want to take note of the lessons learned, because there will be many.

Winning on the road continues to be a problem for the Blues following a 39-20 defeat to the Hurricanes in Wellington tonight.

Ma'a Nonu has been ruled out of tonight's match against the Hurricanes in Wellington due to a calf injury.

John Kirwan's deep into his second season and still doesn't know who the first five-eighth should be, writes Chris Rattue. It's the cardinal sin of rugby coaching and selecting.

Rugby remains a work in progress for Benji Marshall just as the Blues have to find a way to win away from home.

There's a C-word that has been a problem for the Hurricanes.

Chris Noakes knows how Simon Hickey is feeling.

The Chiefs are the most lethal try-scoring side in the Super 15 and near the best with their defensive line, while the Crusaders are average in both categories.

The Chiefs look set to receive a big boost in the form of Brodie Retallick for the latest chapter in New Zealand rugby's best rivalry.

Everything is stacked against the Chiefs, said my mate who is a rabid supporter of the franchise.

The 30-year-old Blues halfback has made a full recovery from his minor stroke and minor heart surgery and was back to his old chipper self when talking to the media.

The Blues are welcoming back their reinforcements, and not before time.

It's time for the Hurricanes to make a move up the ladder. With two home games in the coming weeks, coach Mark Hammett's side must cash in at Westpac Stadium when the Blues and Reds go to Wellington.

The Crusaders clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton this weekend comes at the perfect time.