A winning ratio around 35 per cent across three seasons is not job retention collateral, writes Wynne Gray.

A miserable season for the Blues has limped to a predictable conclusion after they were thrashed by the Highlanders tonight.

Watch a replay of tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby match between the Blues and the Highlanders from Eden Park.

Keven Mealamu's final appearance for the Blues in their match against the Highlanders at Eden Park tomorrow will lend a celebratory air to what has been a depressing season.

Keven Mealamu deserves so much better than to depart in the current Blues shambles, writes Chris Rattue.

Sir John Kirwan's Blues regime has received another knock, with a key player backing away from endorsing his coaching credentials.

Justin Marshall writes the wekend showed the Blues haven't got the pieces in their squad to assemble a competitive team next year.

Join us for a live blog of the Super Rugby clash between the Blues and Crusaders starting at 7.35pm.

Proposal will almost certainly be a compromise that would see Kirwan stay for a fourth and final year as head coach while the board looks for an alternative.

Coach Sir John Kirwan is using tomorrow's match against the Crusaders at Eden Park as a trial for next year's Super Rugby series, writes Wynne Gray.

Blues and All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu has been ruled out of rugby for the rest of the year after opting for surgery on a developmental defect with his hips.

The Blues' finals hopes were dashed weeks ago but, presumably refreshed from their bye week, they still have an important role to play in terms of the final standings.

Sir John Kirwan's supporters on the Blues board will be cringing after the depleted Hurricanes smashed the Super Rugby basket case at their alleged fortress.

Credit to the Blues that in losing their perfect Eden Park record this season, they did, at least, do it in style.

Those Hurricanes supporters wondering whether their team have the complete game to go deep into this competition, if not win it, can rest assured.

It should be a walk in Eden Park. The Blues barely have enough troops to pick a match-day 23; they are down on loose forwards, experienced players and direction from their board.

The Blues board, still in a standoff over whether to retain John Kirwan, is about to miss its first deadline on making a decision.

The Blues will be forced to call on players in their development group next week due to a rising injury toll, which will be made worse by the impending loss of their three New Zealand Under-20s players.

Steve Tew has a difficult job keeping NZ's best rugby talent on these shores, but the double standards are obvious, writes Patrick McKendry.

Hey you, New Zealand Rugby. Relax brothers. Take a chill pill. We're all fine without you, writes Chris Rattue.

There are New Zealand coaches with excellent credentials who could take over the Blues.

Charles Piutau has been told by New Zealand Rugby he cannot play for the Blues next year.