Marc and Cheree breakdown the pay-parity agreement for NZ Football and have the latest on the Israel Folau drama.
For the first time in an age, the gloom is lifting at the Blues.
Their horror season suddenly has a little window of light, being driven by the triple factors of winning last week in Sydney with a performance that was built on mental resilience and composure; the return of Sonny Bill Williams from a seven-week injury break and the news that emerging test prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi has committed to the club for another three years.
In a season that has known mostly defeat, catastrophe, negative speculation and in-depth lamenting about where it has all gone wrong, there was understandably a lighter mood at their headquarters and maybe even a burgeoning sense of confidence.
"It showed that when we get things right and stick to a plan, the results will come," said coach Tana Umaga about what the 24-21 victory against the Waratahs has done.
"The other thing is that our young guys have been put through some tough times and they know what they can go through. The big thing for us is that they learned to flush mistakes.
"It is a good feeling to have these guys [Tu'ungafasi] recommit to what we are about. It is that belief that we are heading in the right direction. It is about the hard work they have put in and about us as a club."
But as much as the mood is more upbeat, the Blues appeared to be under no illusions that a significant potential reality check awaits them this Friday at Eden Park in the form of the Hurricanes.
The 2016 champions are unbeaten since they lost their opening game in South Africa and are playing the sort of football that can strip opponents bare in a matter of four passes.
The Hurricanes are blowing hot and represent the toughest challenge the Blues have faced all year. They are a side loaded with weaponry in the backline, while they have a pack that plays with a muscularity and bite that far exceeds the sum of its individual parts.
Ngani Laumape has been in scintillating form for the Hurricanes this season. Photo / Photosport
"We know they are a team high in confidence and they are playing well," said Umaga.
"They have got their key strike players and they are probably the tops in their positions at the moment.
"It is a different proposition to what we faced last week but again we know we can't rely on that. We have got to go out and play our game again. Having those experienced players back will help us. We know it is a tough job but we are looking forward to it."
Having Williams back will certainly help with one of the key tasks which will be to close down the strong-running Ngani Laumape.
The Hurricanes No 12 has been in fantastic form this season and is a key plank in allowing the team from the capital to generate momentum and space.
Williams' main task will be to ensure the powerfully built Laumape isn't able to smash his way past the first line of defence and force the Blues into scrambling.
And Williams' return has also meant that Rieko Ioane can shift to the wing, where he will be tasked with the considerable responsibility of marking Ben Lam.
The former Blues wing has been one of the revelations of 2018 – leading the Super Rugby try-scoring list and showing an incredible ability to beat defenders, be it with his pace or power.
He scored a hat-trick last week and if the Blues are to be any chance of winning, they will need to ensure that neither Laumape nor Lam are given space and time with which to work.
