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.

If Blues coach John Kirwan wants to present his team with a role model as they seek to get something tangible out of their South African trip.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Join us here for live coverage of the Super Rugby match-up between the Blues and the Crusaders from Eden Park in Auckland.

No team ever lost the Super Rugby title in the first week. But one could be about to lose it in the second.

Sir John Kirwan has put his faith in 20-year-old first-five Simon Hickey, a player yet to make his Super Rugby debut.