Rugby: Blues work out how to plug leaky defence

The Blues have conceded the most points after six rounds of the Super 14. Photo / Getty Images

Defence is preoccupying the Blues ahead of Friday night's Super 14 match against the Waratahs at Eden Park.

The Blues have conceded an average of 52 points in their three losses this season, the latest being the 63-34 embarrassment at the hands of the Chiefs.

Coach Pat Lam is willing to listen to experts from outside the team. He says he gets feedback from the All Blacks coaches and he will take anything onboard to help his team get better.

Lam believes it is not simply a case of hitting the tackle bags. Individual players have put their hands up for making mistakes defensively and Lam says they are confident their defensive system does work.

Assistant coach Shane Howarth is also confident their defensive systems are right - they believe in the system they have and believe they have the right players.

Meanwhile, an anxious wait for the Waratahs, who are sweating over the fitness of captain Phil Waugh. He is battling an Achilles strain and will be given until the captain's run on Thursday to prove his fitness.

The Waratahs will travel with at least one extra man when they leave for Auckland tomorrow. They may be forced to add another if Al Baxter's replacement at tighthead prop, Dan Palmer, can not overcome a nasty virus which has laid him low.

Baxter was ruled out for a month after re-injuring a calf muscle, while several other Waratahs, including key forwards Wycliff Palu, Dean Mumm and Benn Robinson have sat out training.

- NEWSTALK ZB