The Blues have welcomed several players back from injury, including playmaker Beauden Barrett, as they seek to rescue their season after a convenient bye.
Those back from the injury ward were joined at training today by a surprise guest.
Barrett (hand injury) was back training ahead of Saturday’s home match against the Hurricanes, along with hookers Kurt Eklund (groin) and Ricky Riccitelli (chest), loose forwards Anton Segner (concussion) and Adrian Choat (knee), and props PJ Scheck (shoulder) and Ben Ake (shoulder).
"The bye week probably couldn’t have come at a better time for us," Eklund told 1News. "It’s been a tough start to the season. To get away and refresh – there’s a lot of energy that has come back."
The defending champions have won only one game in six and languish in 10th place on the Super Rugby Pacific table, above only the bottom-placed Drua.
The near torrent of injuries have been an issue – and experienced forwards such as Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck) remain out – but the Blues’ predictability and high error rate have also contributed to their woes.
The Blues’ most recent loss to the Crusaders at Eden Park came a week after the Brumbies pipped them by a point – also at home.
After building a reputation as a tough team to break down and through, especially at home, on their way to the title last year, the Blues have been comparative easy-beats this year in one of the surprises of a tight competition.
"It weighs on the back of everyone’s minds," Eklund said. "But we’ve got a good team. We’ve missed out on a couple of games by small margins.
"There’s still belief in the team. Once we make it click, we should get things back on track. We’re hoping to do that this weekend."
As he said, though, it will not be easy against a Hurricanes team that has been inconsistent this year but appears to have found something recently with good wins over the Highlanders and Waratahs.
"They’re going to be difficult. They’ve been taking teams on through their forward pack. They’re good over the ball and pressuring that ruck. We expect that and will train accordingly."
The Hurricanes’ inspirational flanker Du’Plessi Kirifi, pushing for an All Blacks call-up following the departure of Sam Cane, is one of the reasons the Hurricanes have suddenly found their feet.
Most of their gains have been at the breakdown – that’s what did for both the Highlanders and Waratahs – and the momentum they generate for ball runners such as Bailyn Sullivan and Kini Naholo is significant.
Blues assistant coach Greg Feek remains upbeat about the Hurricanes challenge.
"We’re massively excited about this weekend and... seeing the boys train this week… there’s a good vibe going on.
"There’s a hunger now – we’ve always had that but it’s been simplified down into what we’ve got to do."
There is no doubt the Blues want to draw a line under their first six matches of the season – their only win came against the Hurricanes in Wellington in round three, a source of inspiration, perhaps for the visitors on Saturday night.
Having men such as the experienced Barrett back will help.
"Beaudy brings so much experience," Feek said. "He’s playing like he’s still in his 20s. He has so much pace — he’s still got his smarts, and he brings a lot of confidence. He's also unpredictable which is helpful to our game plan."
The question remains, though, about whether their game plan has evolved to the point where they can consistently trouble the opposition.
A surprise appearance at Blues’ training today was former franchise and All Blacks loose forward Akira Ioane – back home for a quick break during the Japanese club rugby season. Ioane, wearing Blues' kit, did a conditioning session.
"He’s just here to support the boys," Feek said. "This was his second family last year… he even got an entry song when he walked in. It’s good to have him here – it’s good to have that extra boost of energy."
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