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

The duel between the No 7s will be one of many features in a warmly-anticipated Super 15 opening-round clash tomorrow.

The Crusaders will feature three brothers in their line-up when they face the Blues in the opening round of the Super 15 in Auckland on Saturday.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is unfazed by an injury that has sent many a rugby heart into overdrive.

Sonny Bill Williams will tomorrow partly make good on a promise he made after he ran out of gas on a country road last year.

The Crusaders trip to the West Coast today as a tribute following the Pike River Mine disaster has been postponed.

Israel Dagg is on the mend from a long term thigh injury which kept him out of the All Blacks end of year tour.

Sonny Bill Williams may still be a chance to play in the Crusaders' first Super 15 match against the Blues.

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

All Blacks' assistant coach Wayne Smith has suggested Sonny Bill Williams could spend some time on the side of the scrum in the future.

Sean Maitland has been a shrewd investment for Canterbury.