Blues coach John Kirwan says he is remaining positive despite an almost unprecedented injury toll to his squad and the knowledge the franchise's board remains split over his future.
Up to 13 players could be unavailable due to injury for the Blues match on Saturday against the Hurricanes at Eden Park. Another, All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina, will be rested.
Kirwan has named his third captain of the season - hooker James Parsons - after injury ruled Jerome Kaino and Steven Luatua out, and he is also facing up to losing the impressive loose forwards Akira Ioane and Blake Gibson, and wing Tevita Li, to the New Zealand Under-20s team which will next week travel to Italy for the World Championships.
Meanwhile the board is split on retaining him for next year following a disastrous season in which the Blues failed to win an away game.
When asked if he had felt the strain this year, Kirwan said: "I wouldn't be human if it didn't. I'm a pretty emotional man at the best of times. Yes it's challenging at times but I think it comes with the job and you need to re-focus on your job and that's what I'm trying to do."
