It's symptomatic of the Blues season that what little good news they enjoyed last night in beating the hapless Force, came with a smattering of bad.

The Blues have doubled their win tally for the season but the injuries to Jerome Kaino and Charles Piutau will worry not only John Kirwan but also Steve Hansen.

The Chiefs will be frustrated by their game which frayed at the edges with some uncharacteristic indiscretions in Melbourne.

Two groups who have been left out in the cold for too long - their team's players and supporters, Paul McKendry writes.

On the weekend of boxing's biggest fight in years, the Crusaders look weak at the knees.

Another factor in the Blues' favour is the fact that their opposition from Western Australia lead the statistics table in many ways they don't want to.

Brad Weber will tonight wear the Chiefs No 9 jersey for the sixth time in seven games, having seemingly emerged triumphant in a head-to-head battle with Augustine Pulu.

According to those who spout the blue-and-gold mantra, the Highlanders should resume their winning methods after last week's stumble.

Back from elbow injury, Dane Coles will play from the bench against the the Crusaders at Westpac Stadium in Wellington tomorrow.

The Herald learned of Sir John's plea - understood to be given at Tuesday night's board meeting - late yesterday.

Losing the world's best player is undoubtedly a blow, but as his Chiefs teammate Sam Cane puts it, "we've played bugger-all rugby with Brodie this year."

Akira Ioane has a big chance to cement himself in the Blues loose forward trio after being selected ahead of All Black Steven Luatua for tomorrow's match.

Jerome Kaino and Charles Piutau will return for the Blues to play fellow strugglers the Force on Saturday.

Marty McKenzie hopes he can hang on to the Chiefs' No10 jersey - then have little brother Damian wash it for him.

Judge me after three years, Blues coach Sir John Kirwan suggested. That verdict is straightforward, writes Wynne Gray.

The Crusaders got more traction when they kept the ball instead of hoofing it downfield but still look a little uncertain about their attacking methods and transition, writes Wynne Gray.

Only six matches remain in their team's season but the Blues board has yet to decide who will coach the team next year, according to CEO Michael Redman.

The Blues are on the home stretch to their miserable season - and coach John Kirwan admits they now have only pride and their supporters to play for now.

The Hurricanes continue to stay a step ahead of the Chiefs ahead of next month's New Zealand Conference showdown.