Coach Tana Umaga sees the next five weeks as critical in determining how the Blues’ Super Rugby season will pan out.
The Blues, who are coming off a bye, are bottom of a strong New Zealand conference as they prepare to take on the Melbourne Rebels in Auckland on Saturday.
However, Umaga hasn’t ruled out his team’s chances of grabbing one of the Australasian group’s five play-off spots, which are occupied by the Rebels (as the Australian leaders) and the four other New Zealand sides.
“We’re in a tough conference, aren’t we, and every week is difficult for us,” Umaga said.
“I suppose what we feel is that we’re not out of it, even though we are fifth in New Zealand.
“From a wider view, we still believe we’ve got an opportunity and this next five weeks will make or break us in terms of the tournament itself and standings, and where we could end up.”
After the Rebels, the Blues head overseas to face the Kings, the Lions and the Western Force, and return to host the Crusaders before the June international window.
Against Melbourne, Umaga has made two changes to his starting 15 from the 23-18 win over the Sharks.
Rene Ranger’s season-ending knee injury means George Moala comes in at centre.
At lock, Patrick Tuipulotu, who has been out with a fractured hand, has been bracketed with Hoani Matenga, but Umaga is confident Tuipulotu is on target to make his return against Melbourne.
The Blues will be skippered by hooker James Parsons, who has taken over the role for the foreseeable future after initially standing in when All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino was sidelined.
While Kaino will again start as blindside flanker, he continues to battle a shoulder complaint that has restricted his involvement in training.
Old Bugger
Guest
You've read my mind TM.....I need to watch that in my commentaries.....haha!!
ben
Guest
Theres far better polynesian talent in all those teams you mentioned...sacred heart st peters and kelston boys etc Liston?
Aucklandlaurie
Guest
I actually said Polynesian talent???have a look at the teams. I wasnt comapring them to AGs, MAGGs, Kings or Kents.
ben
Guest
Liston is 1B grade having never been in the 1A and Otahuhu finished last in the 1A...so its not really a show of talent to be honest....
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Yep, not bad motivation to send the two guys off on a winning note. I agree re Rene ... (big fan here) but he is out so gotta move on for the rest of this year. George Moala has a chance to plant his credentials .... good luck to him..
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
NT, I'm with you.......... The only one I had the Blues in for a win and they didn't (so far) was against the Reds ... I was at that match and drew my conclusions about the lack of on field leadership and I still believe that, particularly among the backs. If they continue to beat those below them on the ladder and perhaps jag one above them, I'll be happy for 2016. But I "expect" them to be in playoffs next year and challenging ...
Aucklandlaurie
Guest
Apparently after the game tomorrow night, its going to be like back to the 80's, Fans are going to be allowed on the field to get autographs. Also last game of the season for Rieko and Akira Ioane.
Aucklandlaurie
Guest
The player we are going to miss fro hereon is Ranger. Also note the early kickoff time tomorrow 5:15. Also if you want to see the cities young Polynesian up and comers grab a look at the curtain raiser, Liston 1st xv -v- Otahuhu College.
Ngati Tumutumu
Guest
Old bugger they definitely haven't been a team for the faint hearted in recent years. Yet my faith in them doesn't waiver because I know one day it will all come together and be a thing of beauty.
Ngati Tumutumu
Guest
RT I am happier with the performances this year, I just hope the keep up the consistency and continue to keep teams honest. But next year my ambitions will be raised dramatically, for now I am happy seeing this young team grow.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
NT, He's back and hes hungry! ... he knows he has to aim up or he'll have to beg for his supper..
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
OB, I posted that 6 wins this year for Tana was a pass mark .... he's won three .. with half the season gone ... we shall see ... Its not that I am less ambitious then Tana, but as TM is aware we have had so many false dawns over so many years, we now have a young team, if the coach can keep the hunger up... we will be thereabouts next year.
taylorman
Roar Guru
I'd interpret that as ...'we're coming to get you OB'....ha ha...
Old Bugger
Guest
TM, RT & NT...... I have trouble hoping week in and week out let alone, looking forward to the next 5weeks. What's that JFK saying, loosely based around....."It's not what the team can do for you but, what you can do for the team" scenario.....so Tana and his boys, have 5weeks, to show what they can do. Fingers x-ed and all the best, for a successful 5weeks campaign. After that, all bets are off and its back to square 1.
Ngati Tumutumu
Guest
I am liking what I'm hearing. We need Tuipulotu back we have been playing too lateral and he is the man to get us going forward. Could build a great team around him Ioane and Gibson, We just need a tidy number 10 hopefully Black wants more game time. West just isn't the game manager we need imo really like the guy but he hasn't developed as much as I had hoped.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Yeah, Yeah... C'mon the Blues!
taylorman
Roar Guru
Ok Tana, slates clean, side is rested, five weeks, let's see what the boys can do. Bring...it...on! Looking forward to it. ????????