Blues to step back and take stock

The Blues will not be overdoing it this week as they try to resurrect their season in the Super 14.

The Blues have made a disastrous start to the competition, picking up just one win from four matches, and they have a bye this week before facing the Brumbies in round six.

At this stage, the semifinals would be viewed as a distant prospect indeed. 

Assistant coach Joe Schmidt said the bye has probably come at a good time, and they will use the time off to patch up a few injured players, rather than flogging the players at extra practice sessions.

He said the players will have four days off before returning after the weekend to prepare as normal, and he is hopeful of having an almost fully fit squad for the match against the Brumbies, including Luke McAlister who has made a good recovery from his broken jaw.

Schmidt is also happy with the progress made by Steve Devine who is on the improve, while John Senio and Isa Nacewa should be fine after picking up knocks at the weekend.

- NEWSTALK ZB