Further alarm bells are ringing for Super Rugby next year as Argentina enlarge their ideas even more, warns Wynne Gray.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A penitent Bismarck du Plessis will return to the Sharks' front row for tomorrow's match against the Highlanders in Dunedin but will not resume the captaincy.

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

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.

James Marshall has a unique job description that varies every week.

For the coach of a table-topping team, Dave Rennie cut a rather glum figure on Friday night.

If the Crusaders want to feature at the top end of the table, a handful of individuals need to take greater responsibility for their performances, writes Richard Loe.

As the Blues board consider who will coach the team next year - and with half this season gone, they must be - Wayne Smith has to be close to the top of their list.

If the Blues are on the hunt for a new coach, which surely they are, their silence on the matter is potentially closing the door on the best possible candidates.

How the Blues must be wondering when this interminable season is going to end. The defeats are blurring now.