Putting new ideas for Blues into old heads

New Blues assistant Joe Schmidt comes with a weighty reputation, one which is being fully tested as his backline battles to find some Super 12 harmony.

It is a work in progress, one Schmidt acknowledges is taking some time in what is a precious commodity in this competition.

He accepts as fair comment an observation that the Blues are playing with a lack of width and depth in their backline.

"Lines and angles are not quite right either, and I think we have been a little conservative so far. We have focused on ball retention rather than first-phase attack," Schmidt said.

But the aim was development and if that occurred while the Blues stayed in the top four, then the work had been successful. It had been a juggling act, though, trying to find the right blend.

As a new coach in the franchise, Schmidt had to get to "know" a new set of players whose NPC sides had not performed well last season.

He had to graft new ideas to their experience.

"It all takes time, you have to learn when to put the pressure on them, how to press their buttons. The rugby is not too different, it is all about understanding the key guys.

"It would be crazy to change everything because they have so much experience. It is more about trying to channel what is there."

For Saturday's match against the Crusaders, the Blues are unlikely to have Ben Atiga available for the midfield and they are reluctant to switch Mils Muliaina away from his preferred fullback position.

The performance of Carlos Spencer is inevitably pivotal to the Blues' level of success.

His decisions are a crucial component. "He calls more options when the ball is in play and outside him he has a couple of guys who are quiet or new to this level, so he has to run the line," Schmidt said.

"Carlos and I had a good chat today. We discussed the things which were going well and those areas which needed some adjustment for this weekend."

* The Chiefs have minor injury niggles to props Simms Davison and Deacon Manu as they prepare to host the Reds in Hamilton on Friday night.

However, both are expected to be fit for selection when the team is named today.

A victory over the struggling Reds, on the back of their richly deserved 18-9 win over the Blues last Saturday night, will put them in good spirits ahead of their week off in round five.

The Reds have made four changes, one of them positional, and they have their fingers crossed that first five-eighth and captain Elton Flatley is fit.

Former Northland player Julian Huxley will take over if Flatley is ruled out.

Flanker Daniel Heenan is suspended and No 8 John Roe is out with a shoulder injury. Tom McVerry switches to blindside, with replacement Luke Doherty taking over Roe's spot.

Greg Holmes, 21, starts his first Super 12 game at tighthead prop and Drew Mitchell replaces Peter Hynes on the wing.