Hay against strugglers with tougher games ahead

ance against the Crusaders in their 45-17 loss in Christchurch last weekend, although the legality of what their front row was doing during the seemingly endless re-sets is debatable. And they are also struggling to hold on to the ball — their average time in possession of 13mins 37secs is the worst in Super rugby and well behind the Hurricanes’ best of 17:40.

The bonus point win over the Bulls has kept the Blues in touch at ninth place, just out of the playoffs, but the Force, plus a match back at Eden Park against the Hurricanes, a bye and a trip to Canberra to play the Brumbies, their next assignment is clearly a must-win match.

Under coach Tana Umaga, the Blues have a good record against most of the so-called lesser teams — in other words, those not from New Zealand. Last year, in Umaga’s first at the franchise, the Blues should have beaten the Reds in Brisbane, but contrived to draw it 25-all , but (after beating the Highlanders in round one) they beat the Jaguares, Sharks, Rebels, Kings (away), Force (away), Brumbies and Waratahs; the latter two matches at Eden Park and ensuring the side finished the season in a reasonably positive manner.

At this still reasonably early stage, Umaga’s men are probably relying on the Jaguares or Sharks to slip in order to progress into a playoff position, and they will come under pressure from a Highlanders team below them on the table (11th, with nine points) who secured a morale-boosting win against the Brumbies in Canberra.

Should the Blues put in a good performance in beating the Force, their prospects, with Sonny Bill Williams’ return expected in midApril, will look a little brighter, although this team more than most should be wary of taking anything for granted.

Their attitude is key and it must be ruthless.