Blues v Brumbies
Eden Park, 7.35 tonight
The Blues' home ground is a construction site and the Super 14 jury is still out on whether their rugby is also a work in progress.
But the hosts know that tonight's game against the Brumbies heads a five-match stretch which will have an enormous influence on how their season will pan out. Four of those games are at Eden Park and if the Blues are to challenge for the playoffs, they need to collect some serious points from these matches.
The Blues' record is evenly split, their form equally mixed but tonight they will be riding the emotion of rewarding skipper Keven Mealamu in his 100th game for the franchise.
The experienced hooker is the "ultimate professional", according to coach Pat Lam although that sort of accolade can not yet be awarded as freely to the rest of his squad. They have played in peaks and troughs, showing discipline and distraction.
The Brumbies arrive without injured centre Stirling Mortlock but his form has been modest, his mind perhaps on a move to Melbourne next year while his replacement Tyrone Smith, brother of gifted flanker George, has played with the class which brought him Wallaby selection last season.
His combat with the boisterous Rene Ranger in midfield looms as one of the thumping great duels which may evolve if the weather, refereeing and attitudes are all aligned.
Four wins from five is a strong start from the Brumbies. They have held out for a couple of results, they have yet to find their real rhythm but they have hung tough.
Some of that resilience may be the mental dripfeed from new signings Rocky Elsom and Matt Giteau, quality players who can bolster the character and clout of the Brumbies.
Statistics show there is little to split the sides with both conceding eight tries this season while the Blues have scored 10 and the Brumbies 12 in playing an extra match and dealing with the South African leg of the series.
"They have gone up a notch this year and seem to be using a twin five-eighths system that is helping their direction," Blues blindsider Jerome Kaino said.
"Our defence will play a huge part in this game, we have to step it up."
Five-eighths Stephen Brett, midfielder Benson Stanley, wing Joe Rokocoko and No 8 Viliami Ma'afu have all returned to full health after being dinged in the side's last outing against the Crusaders. Tighthead prop John Afoa has marched through a fitness test to set up an all-international frontrow duel with the Blues certain they have rectified some scrum wobbles from their last match. Their lineout will also come under real heat from Mark Chisholm and his visiting mates.
The Blues have not been consistent in that area as Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu and Kaino have looked to sort out that department in the absence of the injured Ali Williams.
The lineout has surged then battled. Too many of those lulls tonight may be ruinous.
BLUES v BRUMBIES
Blues
Isaia Toeava
Joe Rokocoko
Rene Ranger
Benson Stanley
Rudi Wulf
Stephen Brett
Alby Mathewson
Viliami Ma'afu
Serge Lilo
Jerome Kaino
Anthony Boric
Kurtis Haiu
John Afoa
Keven Mealamu (c)
Tony Woodcock
Blues reserves: Tom McCartney, Charlie Faumuina, Filo Paulo, Peter Saili, Chris Smylie, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Paul Williams
Brumbies
Adam Ashley-Cooper
Pat McCabe
Tyrone Smith
Christian Lealiifano
Francis Fainifo
Matt Giteau
Josh Valentine
Stephen Hoiles (c)
George Smith
Rocky Elsom
Mark Chisholm
Ben Hand
Salesi Ma'afu
Stephen Moore
Ben Alexander
Brumbies reserves (one to be named): Huia Edmonds, Guy Shepherdson, Justin Harrison, Mitchell Chapman, Patrick Phibbs, Matt Toomua.
