Chiefs captain Craig Clarke has revealed himself to be a keen student of the points table so he will be extremely satisfied with his team's lot as he prepares for a weekend off.

Brad Thorn has won more things than most players and now he is experiencing life at the other end of the table.

Blues assistant coach Sir Graham Henry has issued a public apology after he heavily criticised match officials following his side's loss to the Crusaders.

The "Better Never Stops" hoardings are plastered around Blues headquarters.

Weather warnings had been on the money and as conditions closed in on Eden Park, tactics looked straightforward.

How important was that Chiefs win over the Crusaders? "Massive'', says playmaker Aaron Cruden, who has suggested it will give the younger members of his team a new belief in their abilities.

Wet-weather footy, real rugby where the age-old tenets of ball security, discipline, defence and territory held true.

A shambles of a game - a disaster of a result. The Blues suffered the double whammy tonight of playing like dogs and losing.

Watch a replay of our live blog from tonight's Super Rugby clash between the Blues and the Brumbies from Eden Park in Auckland.

It seems rugby has been a long way from the programme for the Blues in a week when they need to recapture their Super 15 mojo.

A match worthy of a final and on this form there is every chance the Chiefs and Crusaders will meet again in the play-offs.

Watch a replay of all the action from tonight's Super Rugby match between the Chiefs and Crusaders from Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

I don't think Sir Graham Henry is saying anything new or controversial and I applaud and encourage our coaches and rugby commentators in raising and debating the issues of our game.

Hika Elliot's immediate goal is to help his Chiefs team beat the Crusaders in tonight's blockbuster in Hamilton - but also high up on his to-do list is finding an ITM Cup team to play for this year.