Banged up Blues await Crusaders in big derby
Blues coach Tana Umaga admitted his team is "pretty banged up", after a three-match road trip – which saw them beat the Southern Kings (34-18) and the Force (17-13), with a 5-43 loss to the Lions sandwiched in between.
The Crusaders have lost just one of their last 10 matches – to the Highlanders in Week 12 – and are just one point behind the table-topping Chiefs.
However, the Blues are backing their depleted side to give the competition's most successful side a run for their money.
"It's very tough," Umaga said, adding: "They're the form team and we're probably the competition battlers.
"We've got nothing to lose and we're playing at home.
"It's not hard to get ourselves up for it.
"It will be the closest these guys get to a Test match this year so we're just going to get out there and give it everything we've got," he said.
That was echoed by midfielder Piers Francis.
"There's no better clash than the Blues and Crusaders at home at Eden Park so there won't be much motivation needed for that," he said.
However, the Blues have a number of injury concerns.
Prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi – who was a late replacement for Sam Prattley, who injured his ankle in training last week – suffered concussion in the win over the Force in Perth.
He will have to go through the usual concussion protocols, while Prattley also remains on the doubtful list.
"We're all pretty banged up and were are losing guys just before games," Umaga said.
The Blues also lost Rugby League convert Matt McGahan, after he injured a leg muscle at last week's captain's run.
