They both spent big to attract high-profile fullbacks, both have coaches still needing to prove themselves and together they've accumulated one win between them in 2014.

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.

The dossier on the best use for Benji Marshall is expanding, writes Wynne Gray.

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.

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.

The Blues took off from Sydney en route to Johannesburg on Sunday, check out what they got up to on the flight to the Republic. Courtesy The Blues/YouTube channel.

It's early days and there are still flaws in their game, most notably their lineout which was put under severe pressure by the Crusaders.

If you're a fan of the Blues, you have every right to feel encouraged by what you saw on Friday night, writes Justin Marshall.

The Blues showed their passion, class and skill to come back into the match and beat the Crusaders 35 - 24. Herald photographer Richard Robinson was there.

Outrageously young, supremely talented and yet virtually unknown, Tevita Li took a giant step towards stardom last night, writes Gregor Paul.

Auckland Blues head coach John Kirwan says his team still has plenty of work to do even after outplaying the Crusaders at Eden Park 35-24.

Herald Rugby writers Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry give their expert opinion and analysis after the Blues outplayed the Crusaders at Eden Park.

This rollercoaster of a victory over the old enemy has eased the pressure on the Blues - and will also cause a fair bit of soul-searching in Christchurch.