Jerome Kaino
Blues coach John Kirwan is set to give his most prolific player, captain Jerome Kaino, a break when they head to Christchurch this week.
The Blues, with just 1 win from 9 starts, are 2nd from last on the Combined Log.
However, they have build some great momentum in recent weeks – their maiden season win (16 / 14) over the Brumbies was followed by a close loss (24 / 30) against Highlanders in Dunedin at the weekend.
It was the Blues’ 5th losing bonus point – for finishing within 7 points or less of the opposition – and indication that they are much better than their lowly position on the table suggest.
However, Kirwan won’t be tempted to push the All Black loose forward, Kaino, in another game – despite the desperate need or another win.
He knows they are faced with a massive hurdle in the form of an equally desperate Crusaders team in Christchurch on Saturday.
Kaino has started every match except the defeat to the Hurricanes in Palmerston North which he missed due to concussion.
“He’s got high minutes,” Kirwan said.
“We’ve got to rest them all so I have to look at how they scrub up.”
The Blues coach said he was “very disappointed” with his team’s 1st half performance against the Highlanders.
“Our worst of the season,” he said of the 1st 40 minutes, which saw the home team race into a 24 / 0 lead, only for the Blues to come back and be in with a chance of snatching a late winner.
“It was hugely frustrating and they played into the Highlanders hands.
“But the 2nd half we showed when we play directly and with real intent that we can score tries against the best teams.”
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