Wynne Gray: Patience running short for patient

Medic or mortician? Is there a remedy for the Blues' afflictions or are they ready to be laid out on the Super 14 slab?

While the Blues and Chiefs have replica records of two wins and four defeats, the bulk of the scrutiny and disapproval is aimed at the Blues.

The difference is that the Chiefs have fewer current All Blacks in their midst - four who went on the recent latest tour - and are perceived as a resolute group, a side of consistent endeavour who have been on the wrong side of several tight matches.

A repeat scenario happened on Saturday when they could not close out the game against the Brumbies, a team helped by refereeing vagaries and the inspiring play of Stirling Mortlock.

Chiefs captain Jono Gibbes lamented a lack of zip from his side but there could not be any criticism of the Chiefs resolve.

Try saying that about the Blues after they were belted by the Waratahs. Try finding anything outside the play of Keven Mealamu to applaud.

It is a damming statement about a team who had eight players on the All Blacks' Grand Slam tour and carry others who have been internationals.

Coach David Nucifora has avoided blaming the players in public, offering hope of hard work and unity delivering a form reversal.

A minor reprieve came against the Brumbies in a game of dubious quality before it turned to custard in Sydney.

Nucifora's patience disappeared.

He labelled their output as unacceptable and agreed there would be changes for Friday's next game against the Bulls.

The Blues are threatening the lamentable record they set in 2001 when they lost five of their opening seven matches.

They have scored eight tries and conceded 18 this season. Mathematically they could reach the playoffs but that is as likely as Laurie Mains coaching the All Blacks again.

They talk about the harmony in the squad, the trust they have in the coaching staff and there is nothing to reveal otherwise. But the production has been shabby.

Nothing resembles the mettle the Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders have displayed.

Coincidence maybe.

But the winning return against the Brumbies came after All Black coach Graham Henry and his scrum adviser Mike Cron worked with the team as part of their regular visits to each franchise.

Perhaps they know best how to push the players' buttons.

Before that match Henry identified the pack's setpiece work as the area most in need of attention.

That happened and then there was Sydney on Friday night.

Without Troy Flavell there was an embarrassing lack of clout; without Daniel Braid they were shown up in the loose ball battle with Phil Waugh.

There will be some watching the Blues who will delight in their demise the way people enjoy squashing toads.

Others will revel in the Blues' misfortune through sheer envy or misguided resentment about a city whose player overload has gone to other franchises.

A pack which is full of those who have been at or near international level should have been much more dynamic.

The chemistry between the coaches and players is not happening.

Halfback David Gibson and flanker Justin Collins have been lost to season-ending injuries and there has been a lack of depth in their positions.

The leadership hub at No 8, halfback and first five-eighths has been underpowered and those struggles have festered through the rest of the backline.

But there is no mitigation for the way Joe Rokocoko was ambling about the field and letting the malaise interfere with his effort.

Nucifora and Joe Schmidt have spoken about changes. They cannot continue in their current rut, but where do they go, who gets the blade, who is promoted?

Some of the forward backup looks too inexperienced to be used against the Bulls but the alleged top mob have not been doing the business.

If Flavell's hip injury is cured he will return and could be tried at lock with Angus Macdonald going to blindside flanker or No 8.

A rest for Lavea was signalled when he was subbed early in Sydney and McAlister will be asked to stop the rot from first five-eighths.

Doug Howlett should have recovered from his hamstring strain and he and Isa Nacewa could start on the wings to increase the side's vitality while allowing Brent Ward to start at fullback.

But whatever alterations are imagined, they are beginning to look more and more like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.