Midfield minefield alert

The Blues midfield will likely be targeted by the Crusaders in Christchurch tomorrow after Rieko Ioane and Michael Collins, who struggled as a defensive combination against the Hurricanes, retained their positions for their team’s final match of the season.

It will be loose forward Jerome Kaino’s 139th and final match for the Blues. The only change from last week is a start for lock Ben Nee-Nee after an injury to replacement Matiaha Martin ruled him out.

“This game means a lot. We want to send Jerome off in the best possible fashion,” said Blues coach Tana Umaga. “We are going into a cauldron in Christchurch, but we have to go with eyes wide open and also take confidence from the game last week. “

There is little on this match for the defending champion Crusaders, who are on an 11-match winning streak. They are guaranteed a home final should they progress that far but will want to retain the ruthless edge that saw them trounce the Highlanders 45-22 last weekend.

They will be without All Blacks front rowers Joe Moody, Owen Franks and Codie Taylor for the match. All Blacks lock Scott Barrett is also rested, but skipper Sam Whitelock will play, as will No 8 Kieran Read with Israel Dagg making his return at fullback.