Editorial: Woeful Blues must get their act together

Opinion

According to an old adage, a sporting team's performance on the field will be only as good as that of its front office. On that basis, it is probably logical that the Blues stumble from crisis to crisis. The dominant side in the early days of what was then the Super 12 rugby series has struggled to reach anywhere near those heights in the past few seasons.

In the normal course of events, this state of affairs should have united the franchise's three unions, Auckland, North Harbour and Northland, and fostered a resolve to bring back the good times. Instead, relations between the partners have sunk to a new low as they argue over match arrangements, player payments, dividends and franchise venues.

This presents a wretched image to the rest of the country, where other Super 14 franchises seem to have nothing like the same degree of internecine fighting.

Inevitably, this bickering has had its consequences. The latest is Mike Delany's decision not to switch to the Blues to fill the problematic first five-eighth slot. This speaks volumes about how players throughout the country regard the atmosphere at the Blues. Delany has said, essentially, that it is so forbidding that he would rather continue to play second-string to Stephen Donald at the Chiefs. Worse, he is the latest of a string of pivots who have rejected the Blues. These include England's Jonny Wilkinson, Argentine Juan Martin Hernandez, All Black Dan Carter and national under-20 representative Aaron Cruden. Cruden is also prepared to take his chances with another franchise, rather than a starting spot with the Blues. The rejections do not stop there. All Black Jimmy Cowan has declined to switch from the ever-labouring Highlanders to bolster the Blues' halfback stocks. This ongoing deficiency in another crucial position tells its own story about shortcomings in the franchise's development programme. This has faltered, despite starting with the considerable advantage of being able to draw from some of the country's leading rugby nurseries.

Previously, the Blues were able to camouflage any weaknesses by attracting and nurturing players from around the country. This week's developments suggest a staggering turnaround in the attitude of candidates for that role.

Some may be repelled by the intense pressure to perform that will be their lot at the Blues. Others may be unsettled by the infighting between the partners.

Some of this has been prompted by misunderstanding, as in the case of North Harbour's request to host a test against the Springboks, which crossed Auckland's agreement with the New Zealand Rugby Union to stage internationals during the redevelopment of Eden Park.

Nonetheless, the Blues seem to experience far more angst than other franchises when it comes to the allotment of Super 14 matches and suchlike. Auckland's wish to charge North Harbour to host a Super 14 match could only have been inflammatory. The latest disputes and player rejections come as many supporters consider whether to buy season tickets for 2010. More than a few may have pause for thought. If so, there may be still further consequences down the road in terms of sponsorship and commercial deals.

Another adage says that united we stand, divided we fall. It is one the Blues board must heed. These are painful times for the followers of what was once a highly successful team. Inexperienced coaching staff and too many players of average ability have created on-field problems. Office politics contributed to this state, and have now darkened the scene so much that efforts to solve it are being thwarted. The franchise's reputation has plumbed new depths. Now, as never before, it is time for other loyalties to be put aside in the interest of the Blues.