Super Rugby has reached the halfway point. Gregor Paul reviews the action so far and suggests what needs to happen in the next six weeks.

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.

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

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

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.

Chris Noakes knows how Simon Hickey is feeling.

Blues coach John Kirwan says the team's atrocious away record under his reign needs addressing.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.