Rugby: Okay, Blues - let's see you do it

Stephen Brett has been chosen to drive the Blues' game plan against the Hurricanes tonight. Photo / Brett Phibbs

They've got the players, they've got the test clout. Now the Aucklanders
need to produce the goods

Victory with some substance has become non-negotiable for the Blues tonight after the side was put on selection notice.

Any other result against the Hurricanes at Eden Park will leave the coaching staff and players in a greater quandary about their progress in the Super 15 series.

They have chopped some players and demanded amends for their sloppy last-match draw against the Force.

So over to you, Blues. What have you got for this local derby?

When they set out their blueprint, they should have emphasised greater impact from their tight five, a tighter game plan and accurate attack which limits the counter-punching style of the Hurricanes.

Four All Black tight forwards line up on each side but the Blues group have much more test clout than their combined rivals. They need to make that expertise count to start putting a clamp on the game.

"We do need more there, though Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock have been good and Anthony Boric has been getting there," Blues coach Pat Lam said.

If sides get into the Hurricanes' pack, disrupt their scrum and unsettle their lineout, they reduce the impact from a dangerous backline.

They can also put some heat on the unproven guidance of five-eighths Daniel Kirkpatrick, who has usurped Aaron Cruden.

The outcome and direction from those Blues men wearing double-digit numbered jerseys is the unknown, the lottery ticket being used by the hosts.

Stephen Brett and Luke McAlister have a range of gifts but no history as a partnership. And with a short week training after flying back from Perth, will they bring enough cohesive rhythm to the attack? Never mind their defence where Ma'a Nonu, returning from suspension, will be salivating at the idea of testing their alignment.

Brett has been picked to guide the side. Apparently he produces the most reliable tactical template the coaches want and gives clear instructions to his forwards and halfback.

"That is part of the navigation we want. We have got to build pressure with our game, we have to put out a quality performance on our home ground," Lam said.

"Stevie Brett will drive our game plan. We need some clear direction and that is where he does well, while Luke will be a help alongside him."

That new arrangement has pushed Benson Stanley to the left wing where his nous, kicking game and voice should help the back three. Whether his positional play holds up if Julian Savea gets some space is another part of Lam's jigsaw gamble.

But the coach could not allow the patchwork performances to last. He needed change, he needed to find some flame to ignite his squad. His resources were restricted. He has rolled the dice and like a croupier, waits to see how they settle.

His bench looks solid, nothing the 'Canes can't match with the exception of loose forward Matt Luamanu. He is explosive, a hulking threat with the ball though less dynamic without it. He is someone, though, if you had a hunch and a stray fiver to slap on at the TAB, who might come off the pine and blow this game open.