Mealamu's tunnel vision

Keven Mealamu leads his team out during the opening Super 14 match against the Hurricanes - when the season promised so much. Sandra Mu / Getty Images

It's a subject which has taxed Keven Mealamu's rugby knowledge, a topic which has engulfed those who monitor the Blues.

Why is a side with so many internationals, misfiring so much in the Super 14, how have they managed just one win in four games?

Mealamu admits, as the new Blues captain, he has been affected by the side's modest start to the series, although he is also quick to point out he does not take those troubles home.

The understated hooker is not someone to indulge in provocative descriptions.

He would not describe the Blues' predicament as being on Death Row but in his own language he came pretty close.

"We have no more second chances, we have really got to step up," he said, contemplating the clash tomorrow with the Brumbies.

"We have to treat the last segment as gone. Now we are coming off a bye, we have to treat this as a new season, a chance to repair what has gone before."

Mealamu turns 27 on Monday, a birthday he would like to celebrate by talking about a Blues victory at training, instead of mulling over the reasons for another defeat.

It would make a heck of a change as Mealamu thinks the Blues' predicament means tomorrow's match ranks with the most pressure he has felt during a first-class career which began with the NPC in 1999. "Certainly results-wise it is because our backs are up against the wall. But as a group we are as close as ever, there is no drama there," he said.

"We feel we are not far away but we need to turn the corner."

That pressing need has niggled away much more at Mealamu as he inherited the Blues captaincy this season when No 8 Xavier Rush headed to Cardiff. "It is hard not to let it affect you when you are skipper but I have my family and they back me 100 per cent. I try and leave my work at work. When I get home I go back to being a Dad again."

But doesn't the religious Mealamu pose questions of his maker during his introspective times, doesn't he ask what he has done to warrant the problems? "You get tested in life and this is one of those tests of character," Mealamu says with his ever-ready smile. "We are still strong in our belief in this team."

The Blues had a two wins-two losses record when they met the Brumbies last year and came away with a 17-0 victory built on attitude and enthusiasm. "We also came out and were a lot more physical and that applies again," said Mealamu. "Us forwards have to get back to basics at the setpiece to give our backs some decent ball." It is a theme which has been delivered by coach David Nucifora during the side's two-week lull since their last defeat against the Crusaders.

Debate burbles on though about reasons for the lack of setpiece impact from the Blues. Mealamu agrees the work from his pack has been patchy, they have yet to gel. Quite why, he is not sure because their core duties have not changed.

He wonders about those who have been asked to deliver more leadership. "But we have really got to forget that stuff, get out and play the game and let it happen," said Mealamu, whose play has been its usual high standard this season.

Tomorrow he meets an opponent on whom former Brumbies coach Nucifora has scant information. James McCormack has become the Brumbies' regular hooker after Jeremy Paul tore a calf muscle in round one before his replacement, David Palavi wrecked his knee in the next match.

McCormack had played seven years of club rugby in the Sydney competition before returning to his farm at Crookwell, north of Canberra two years ago, and turning out as captain/coach of the local side.

"Nussy knows nothing about him," said Mealamu, "but if he's a farmer he's going to be tough.

"These Brumbies are a very professional side whoever they play or have in their team and this game will be no different."