Some senior players need to get out of the trenches

Jerome Kaino has proven an exception to the rule. Photo / Getty Images

As we pump through the Anzac Day tributes and remember the deeds of those who fought for their nations, our sporting focus narrows to the actions of our senior players.

Many have done great service for the All Blacks and their Super Rugby sides. They have endured all kinds of difficulties and usually stepped out the other side.

Right now though, many of those Crusaders and Blues players are struggling to get out of a rut, searching for the triggers which have allowed them to nudge ahead of the rest of the field.

Blues skipper Jerome Kaino has been an exception but he is being rested tonight and young lock Patrick Tuipulotu is banged up. All Black comrade Charlie Faumuina has started to boom along and there have been some cameos from Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock.

In one period against the Highlanders last week, the Blues' pack showed what a menace they can be. It was a reminder of their venom and their inconsistencies. The pack has given hope, and way out the back Charles Piutau has tried to make some sense of the clutter in front of him.

If the Blues woes have been accentuated this season, the Crusaders are not far behind. They were beaten in most phases last round by the Chiefs and their chances of making the playoffs are reducing. So is the impact of some senior men. Even that magnificent No 8 Kieran Read has been subdued.

The best for some games has been blindside flanker Jordan Taufua whose muscle-bending energetic displays have been a breezy counterpoint to much of the go-through-the-motion stuff elsewhere.

Sam Whitelock has been busy and gathering some momentum but there has been a look of static about Owen Franks, Wyatt Crockett, Luke Romano and even Richie McCaw.

Behind that engine Colin Slade has given some impetus and Nemani Nadolo has been a danger, yet the rest have been muted. The backline has shuffled sideways with their passes and the only time they brought some concerted destruction was against a woeful Sharks side. The Chiefs made all that look second-rate last round.

It won't do if the Crusaders want to make the playoffs, it will not impress the hometown supporters or coach Todd Blackadder, nor will it do the business for the All Black selectors.

They are getting a little toey about a few players and want to see some signs they are still useful for the intense combat later this season. They've had long enough to find their touch and make an impact.

If they can't do that against an indecisive Blues outfit then maybe we can expect more of their recent average performances. This is crisis time for both sides.

It's also a stage for World Cup referee Chris Pollock to be decisive and get a feel for his upcoming test work with two international front-rows on display. It will also be a boost if his assistants rule the offside line strongly but maybe that's like thinking the Blues can win.