The Blues are being primed to overturn an unpalatable Super Rugby pattern which has affected New Zealand teams.

The tough part for the Blues is still in the distance, nine games on the trot including a trip to South Africa.

The Super 15 took another smack to the chops and this time it was delivered by the greatest of All Blacks, Richie McCaw, who has extended his Super holiday.

The Blues are talking about defence like it is rugby treasure. They have unpicked the lock on that booty and are discovering the gleam it can deliver.

Multiple pitch invasions in the final minutes of the thrilling Western Force defeat of the Crusaders in Perth last night have been described as "unacceptable''.

The Crusaders were due to fly out of Perth two hours after their defeat to the Western Force - and they played like they had a plane to catch.

All sorts of pictures have been painted about the return clash between the Blues and Hurricanes but ultimately the five-eighths landscape should dictate this result.

Slap a black jersey on Rene Ranger with the No 12 on the back, declares Wynne Gray.

Controversial referee Steve Walsh has been ticked off after he broke the new television match official protocol several times in last weekend's game at Eden Park between the Blues and Highlanders.

The return Super Rugby match between the Stormers and the Sharks at Newlands tomorrow is a tough one to call.

You probably haven't noticed but the Hurricanes have won their past four games.

Crusaders skipper Richie McCaw will miss the Super 15 and tune up for his All Black return with club rugby.

Not many wings upstage Julian Savea as Frank Halai managed on his Blues debut.

Injury and suspension have caused the only changes to the Blues for their Super 15 rematch with the Hurricanes.

All season, Rene Ranger has been a threat for the Blues and he is about to stretch that potency against the Hurricanes.