Stats guru Tracey Nelson looks at the numbers of the Blues' opening Super 15 win over the Crusaders.

Blues captain Keven Mealamu continues to defy convention after leading his side to a stirring win over the Crusaders.

The revamped Eden Park was treated to a Blues performance last night that suggests their future is equally upbeat.

A gutsy decision by inspirational skipper Keven Mealamu capped a dramatic comeback as the Blues beat the Crusaders 24-22 in a Super 15 rugby match in Auckland tonight.

Heavyweight New Zealand teams the Blues and Crusaders square off tonight as the nation's amateur selectors begin their World Cup jottings.

Blues lock Ali Williams says he's up for a full 80 minutes - if needed - against the Crusaders tomorrow night.

He's never really been away, but even still 2010 felt like the year Keven Mealamu came back.

A brief look at the Blues squad for the 2011 Super Rugby season.

Blues No 8 Chris Lowrey is up to challenge in facing Kieran Read in his side's season opener on Saturday.

The fitness of former All Blacks Ali Williams and Luke McAlister has taken centre stage for the Blues.

The Blues are playing Luke McAlister at first five-eighths - perhaps nudged by the All Blacks coaching panel.

As a young man making his way into the paid rugby ranks, Jared Payne was a confused admirer of the Blues.

Chris Lowrey carried some serious rugby promise after his inaugural Blues season.

The Blues have named their first starting XV for 2011 ahead of their pre-season match against the Highlanders on Saturday.

Ali Williams has finished his stint playing rugby in England and has declared himself fully ready to play for the Blues in the Super 15.

Playmaker Stephen Brett is carrying a sensible mantra into his second season with the Blues.

Blues coach Pat Lam believes he will get a full season's play from former All Black lock Ali Williams.

Estimates from the Blues suggest damaged lock Ali Williams could be ready to start the new Super Rugby series.