The chances of Benji Marshall switching to rugby and playing for the Blues took a step closer last night.

A year from now and who will recall that the Blues, reduced to 14 men for most of the game and 13 for a period, played so gamely and effectively against such monumental odds?

Gregor Paul looks at what coach John Kirwan has done well and not so well in his first year in charge

The Chiefs have squeezed past a 14-man Blues side to go top of the Super 15 table, winning 26-16 at Eden Park

Join us for tonight's live blog of the Super 15 clash between the Blues and the Chiefs at Eden Park in Auckland.

"I think we are getting a little too predictable," coach John Kirwan says. "We have to work out how to get some more excitement going on and off the field. We need to see that in the way we express ourselves on the track."

What's on it? How much time have you got to dwell on the Blues' final match tonight against their regular Chiefs rivals.

Captain Ali Williams will complete a remarkable record in his last game for the Blues on Saturday.

Has there ever been such a controversial Auckland lock as Ali Williams? And has the city's place as the home of the great locks in world rugby come to an end?

There's no doubt the Blues need a bit of star quality at first five-eighths next year but their biggest concern on the recruitment front is strengthening a tight five precariously short of depth and genuine clout.

After years of searching and endless rejections, the Blues may have at last found their world-class No 10 - with Beauden Barrett understood to be seriously contemplating a shift to Auckland.

It seems incredible a team with four straight defeats and a losing record could still sneak into the playoffs, but the Blues are hoping to beat the odds.

A must-win match is when a team most relies on seasoned pros, but John Kirwan is backing a young playmaking pair to pull through for the Blues.

If the Blues do emerge from a brutal final three weeks and eventually squeeze into the Super 15 playoffs, they certainly will have earned their place.

Wynne Gray says the $600,000-a-year deal is the right choice for Rene Ranger. He cannot make that money in New Zealand and there are no guarantees he will stay in the squad or stay injury free.

Blues 15 France 38 Blues Head Coach Sir John Kirwan is pleased with his teams effort & says they have learnt heaps. Both teams were in the changing room after the match swapping jerseys & sharing a beer together. 'This is rugby, this is the great side of the game'.

French Head Coach Philippe Saint-André believes this type of game is important for players to learn, improve and for the spirit of the team. Saint-Andre even took time after the math to share a beer with Sir John Kirwan and remember the old memories.

For Sir John Kirwan, mid-week matches against international sides are the heart and soul of the game.

Many aspects favoured the Blues. They were playing the lowest-ranked side, under cover on a fast track, chasing points for the playoffs and All Black berths.