Blues assistant coach Sir Graham Henry has issued a public apology after he heavily criticised match officials following his side's loss to the Crusaders.

The "Better Never Stops" hoardings are plastered around Blues headquarters.

Weather warnings had been on the money and as conditions closed in on Eden Park, tactics looked straightforward.

Wet-weather footy, real rugby where the age-old tenets of ball security, discipline, defence and territory held true.

The question was whether the Chiefs can get better. The answer from coach Dave Rennie was a definitive yes. And it wasn't just the usual bluster coaches feel compelled to spout.

A shambles of a game - a disaster of a result. The Blues suffered the double whammy tonight of playing like dogs and losing.

Watch a replay of our live blog from tonight's Super Rugby clash between the Blues and the Brumbies from Eden Park in Auckland.

It seems rugby has been a long way from the programme for the Blues in a week when they need to recapture their Super 15 mojo.

A match worthy of a final and on this form there is every chance the Chiefs and Crusaders will meet again in the play-offs.

Watch a replay of all the action from tonight's Super Rugby match between the Chiefs and Crusaders from Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

I don't think Sir Graham Henry is saying anything new or controversial and I applaud and encourage our coaches and rugby commentators in raising and debating the issues of our game.

Hika Elliot's immediate goal is to help his Chiefs team beat the Crusaders in tonight's blockbuster in Hamilton - but also high up on his to-do list is finding an ITM Cup team to play for this year.

Every rugby team needs workaholics, those men who tackle, mop up and do the dirty work.

If the Crusaders are serious about landing the top spot in Super Rugby's New Zealand conference then tonight's game against the Chiefs in Hamilton seems like the prime time to make their move.

Sanzar has laid a misconduct complaint against Blues assistant coach Sir Graham Henry after he heavily criticised match officials following his side's loss to the Crusaders.

The Blues have lost in-form blindside flanker Steven Luatua for their critical Super 15 clash with the Brumbies on Saturday.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie believes Sir Graham Henry made some good points in his blast at match officials.