The Highlanders finally woke from a deep slumber to dispatch the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium last night.

The Blues may progress in Super Rugby if they can win in Bloemfontein - but it is a big if.

What a shame Sir Graham Henry was forced by Sanzar to apologise for his refreshing honesty, writes Paul Lewis.

Not much has missed Ali Williams in his lengthy career. He's been around the rugby block more than most, suffered major injuries, fallouts with coaches, serious form fluctuations and ploughed his way through 77 tests and more than 100 Super rugby matches.

Usually the Blues gather early in the week to dissect video clips, review their last game and wade through ideas for their next match.

Workaholic flanker Luke Braid has several dates with the Blues medicos before he can confirm his place for the decisive return Super 15 clash with the Highlanders.

The "Better Never Stops" hoardings are plastered around Blues headquarters.

Weather warnings had been on the money and as conditions closed in on Eden Park, tactics looked straightforward.

Wet-weather footy, real rugby where the age-old tenets of ball security, discipline, defence and territory held true.

A shambles of a game - a disaster of a result. The Blues suffered the double whammy tonight of playing like dogs and losing.

Watch a replay of our live blog from tonight's Super Rugby clash between the Blues and the Brumbies from Eden Park in Auckland.

It seems rugby has been a long way from the programme for the Blues in a week when they need to recapture their Super 15 mojo.

Every rugby team needs workaholics, those men who tackle, mop up and do the dirty work.

The Blues have lost in-form blindside flanker Steven Luatua for their critical Super 15 clash with the Brumbies on Saturday.

Investors have stumped up $4 million as part of their deal to run the Blues for the next seven years.

Mealamu is heading into his 148th match of Super rugby after recovering from the latest strain on those piston calves which deliver such an explosive impact.

It's been nine years since the Blues travelled south and beat the Crusaders in their backyard. In that time the Crusaders have claimed three Super rugby titles, finished runners-up twice and lost four semifinals.

Blues' winger George Moala could play in this weekend's clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch, despite facing serious assault charges.

Blues winger George Moala will face a disciplinary tribunal once his assault charge is dealt with, rugby officials say.

Blues player Francis Saili took some time off from rugby to celebrate Mother's Day yesterday at Auckland's highest restaurant.

One start does not make a player's reputation, but it has soothed some anxiety for Blues lock Anthony Boric.

A handful of Blues players took one big step towards the All Blacks tonight. The team, on the other hand, only flirted with a similarly impressive advancement.

Watch a replay of the live updates of tonight's NRL match between the Warriors and the Bulldogs and the Super Rugby match between the Blues and the Rebels.