The lawyer for Blues rugby player George Moala has hit back at accusations New Zealand courts have become a "two-tier system of justice".

A leading law professor is concerned over the number of sports people being discharged without conviction saying a two-tier system is being set up.

Blues rugby player George Moala has been discharged without conviction over a charge stemming from a vicious bar fight.

Steven Luatua will replace Jerome Kaino as skipper of the Blues and has challenged his team to finish their final five games of the season undefeated.

The Blues will likely be without loose forward Jerome Kaino and utility back Charles Piutau for the rest of the season, so let's look at how damaging their absences will be.

The Blues have doubled their win tally for the season but the injuries to Jerome Kaino and Charles Piutau will worry not only John Kirwan but also Steve Hansen.

Two groups who have been left out in the cold for too long - their team's players and supporters, Paul McKendry writes.

Another factor in the Blues' favour is the fact that their opposition from Western Australia lead the statistics table in many ways they don't want to.

The Herald learned of Sir John's plea - understood to be given at Tuesday night's board meeting - late yesterday.

Akira Ioane has a big chance to cement himself in the Blues loose forward trio after being selected ahead of All Black Steven Luatua for tomorrow's match.

Jerome Kaino and Charles Piutau will return for the Blues to play fellow strugglers the Force on Saturday.

Judge me after three years, Blues coach Sir John Kirwan suggested. That verdict is straightforward, writes Wynne Gray.

The Crusaders got more traction when they kept the ball instead of hoofing it downfield but still look a little uncertain about their attacking methods and transition, writes Wynne Gray.

As the Blues board consider who will coach the team next year - and with half this season gone, they must be - Wayne Smith has to be close to the top of their list.

If the Blues are on the hunt for a new coach, which surely they are, their silence on the matter is potentially closing the door on the best possible candidates.

How the Blues must be wondering when this interminable season is going to end. The defeats are blurring now.

Blues' first-five Dan Bowden knows what it's like to play outside Dan Carter and he insists the struggling All Black isn't finished yet.

With John Kirwan about to rest All Black and Blues captain Jerome Kaino, Steven Luatua will today be named at No8 to take on the Crusaders.

Benji Marshall says his short stint playing for the Blues made him a better league player.

In sporting circles and rugby conversation, failure has become the accepted outcome for the Blues and they stayed true to that course against the Highlanders, writes Wynne Gray.

Blues coach John Kirwan believes his team are still in with a slim chance of making the play-offs but is considering resting his captain Jerome Kaino from the must-win match.

Join us here for tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby clash between the Highlanders and the Blues.