It's bragging rights and bagging a black jersey

Bragging rights will be a big deal at Eden Park but tonight's match between the Blues and Chiefs has much greater repercussions for the cross-border rivals.

This is a quasi-All Black trial, the final examination of a number of contenders who may be required for early test action against Ireland when the bulk of the Crusaders and Hurricanes will be rested.

The Blues and Chiefs have struggled to be mid-table in the Super 14, suggesting at times they would challenge the playoffs without really catching fire. Tonight is their final, their last chance to impress the national panel.

There are 10 players on show who were picked for the Grand Slam tour, with prop Saimone Taumoepeau under most scrutiny.

This is only his second start this season but with All Black teammate Tony Woodcock injured, there is a national vacancy at loosehead prop. Assessing the work of Taumoepeau and Simms Davison will be one mission.

Then there will be comparisons between another layer of players who have been All Blacks or are challenging strongly for selection, men such as locks Bernie Upton and Greg Rawlinson, fullback Brent Ward, midfielder Sam Tuitupou, loosies Marty Holah, Jono Gibbes, Stephen Bates and Jerome Kaino.

Chiefs captain Gibbes and Kaino were part of the 2004 All Black squad in Europe as the senior pro and the rookie investment. Both have been plagued by injury since, a pattern which continued in the Super 14.

But they are both playing tonight, duelling in the No 6 jerseys for what may be national duties next month for either the All Blacks, NZ Maori or Junior All Black sides.

It is a significant meeting for Kaino, just turned 23 and on the comeback trail after a shoulder reconstruction late last year. His return to the Blues came with misfortune for Justin Collins, Angus Macdonald and Troy Flavell.

Kaino thought he needed about a further month's recuperation but was cleared to join the Blues as they battled injury woes last month.

Impressive showings against the Cheetahs and Cats at altitude and a bit-part role against the Sharks encouraged the Blues and the powerful loose forward.

"I had done a lot of fitness work and - I don't want to sound big-headed - but I thought it would be a lot harder. I felt fine afterwards," he said.

Kaino remains as bemused about the Blues' misfires as he was looking from the outside in earlier this season.

"We are a great bunch of guys off the field but the harsh reality is we will be judged on performances."

Kaino has played plenty of rugby with the injured Sione Lauaki and felt blessed he would not be competing against the Chiefs No 8, who had been in unrivalled form.

"But the Blues like to come up against the best in New Zealand and you can't measure yourself in this country unless you come up against the best," Kaino said.

"I will be up against the master, Jono Gibbes, and that will be a privilege."

Since South Africa, the Blues have sweated on a form revival to break a two-match drought against their neighbours. The Chiefs talk about it being a home game. One side will just have an extra bit of swagger tonight as they discuss their Super 14 finale.

Blues v Chiefs
Eden Park, 7.30 tonight

BLUES

Brent Ward
Doug Howlett
Ben Atiga
Isa Nacewa
Joe Rokocoko
Luke McAlister
John Senio
Nick Williams
O. Tol.-Auva'a
Jerome Kaino
Ali Williams
Greg Rawlinson
John Afoa
Keven Mealamu (c)
S. Taumoepeau

Reserves: Tim Dow, Mike Noble, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, Junior Poluleuligaga, Tasesa Lavea, George Pisi

CHIEFS

Mils Muliaina
Anthony Tahana
Mark Ranby
Sam Tuitupou
Sitiveni Sivivatu
David Hill
Byron Kelleher
Steven Bates
Marty Holah
Jono Gibbes (c)
Sean Hohneck
Bernie Upton
Ben Castle
Aleki Lutui
Simms Davison

Reserves:  Scott Linklater, Deacon Manu, Kristian Ormsby, Liam Messam, Jamie Nutbrown, Stephen Donald, Sosene Anesi