When Jerome Kaino signed with the Blues last year, there was a bit of hands on hips stuff from the conditioning staff, cheeks puffed out, heads shaking in anticipation of the re-conditioning job that awaited.

The Blues thrilled and spilled their way to a 40-30 win over the Cheetahs at Eden Park tonight.

Join us here for our live blog of tonight's Super Rugby clash between the Blues and the Cheetahs from Eden Park.

The cold reality of professional rugby is starting to bite at the Blues, and in particular, Benji Marshall.

Referees boss Lyndon Bray has admitted match officials got it wrong in both of the Blues' recent defeats in South Africa.

Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray discuss the upcoming Blues games, Benji Marshall and Ma'a Nonu.

Blues coach John Kirwan is looking for answers from referees' boss Lyndon Bray after getting what he feels is a rough deal from match officials for the third game in a row.

Ma'a Nonu and Jerome Kaino are poised to restart their Blues careers against the Cheetahs at Eden Park on Saturday.

An incredible comeback from the Blues against the Lions in Johannesburg fell just short this morning, John Kirwan's men again leaving themselves too much to do after a poor start.

On a day off before playing the real Lions, Benji Marshall takes the 'Blues brothers' on a hilarious wildlife tour with a difference. Courtesy TheBlues/YouTube.

Star rugby league convert Benji Marshall will make his first start for the Blues at fullback against the Lions this weekend. The Blues media team caught up with him to find out how he's looking forward to it. Courtesy TheBlues/YouTube.

Simon Hickey has been dropped to the reserves bench by the Blues this week.

Sir John Kirwan's comments about Keven Mealamu's calf injury, and the fact he has been sent home from South Africa.

The Blues headed along to a nearby gym in Johannesburg to recover after their game against the Bulls. Hear what Blues captain Luke Braid and young wing Tevita Li had to say about the game and what they need to do against the Lions this Saturday. Courtesy TheBlues/YouTube.

Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray discuss what some of the problems are plaguing the Blues and Highlanders.

Into the Blues changing sheds to hear from Head coach Sir John Kirwan, Tom Donnelly and Simon Hickey on their thoughts about the loss against the Bulls. Courtesy TheBlues/YouTube.

There is no spontaneity, the players are not reactive, writes Justin Marshall. The Crusaders have their structures and they look like a team that will do anything they can to stick to them

Consistency is not yet their forte as they wavered on the Highveld in Pretoria, teasing us they might conjure a late victory before falling 38-22 to the Bulls, writes Wynne Gray.

Blues fullback Charles Piutau caught up with Tongan teammates Frank Halai & Tevita Li to find out how they've been enjoying their time in South Africa so far. Courtesy TheBlues/YouTube channel

The Blues blew out the cobwebs from a long flight to South Africa with a light workout, stretch and pool session at a local gym in Johannesburg. Courtesy TheBlues/YouTube channel

A lot of mental preparation and less focus on the physical stuff was Blues coach Sir John Kirwan's summary of how his team would tackle this week.