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rugby priority for backrower Bernard le Roux was learning to count to 20 in French so he could understand lineout calls.

This Saturday's confrontation against the Brumbies is another gauge for the improving but youthful Blues squad.

Experienced hooker Keven Mealamu will return to the Blues as they head into their repeat clash with the test-cap heavy Crusaders.

The Blues' fortunes have risen in the Super 15 and so have their crowds.

The tough part for the Blues is still in the distance, nine games on the trot including a trip to South Africa.

Captain Richie McCaw will miss the entire Super 15 series and tune up for his All Black return on a diet of club rugby.

Senior prop Charlie Faumuina has been ruled out for the season as the Blues contemplate a troubled buildup to their next clash with the Hurricanes.

Rugby should get used to referees' increased use of the television match official, according to Blues coach Sir John Kirwan.

No-one should have any doubt about the value of television match officials in the Super 15 series.

Most rugby seasons, there are questions about Ma'a Nonu. Sometimes there are positives about whether he can maintain his rich run of form.

Super 15 games are never about one player. However, within that framework some individuals create an extensive impact.

It was a start, 30 minutes about Anthony Boric conquering his uncertainty.

The list of rock solid No8s in Blues' history is not extensive. However, Peter Saili is starting to suggest he should be added to that register.

The new-look Blues were unsettled by a prolonged heavy-duty Bulls assault that few of them had experienced.

People are quick to judge. Deprivation does that for those following the Blues' fortunes.

Blues coach John Kirwan eyeballed his squad early in the week and demanded they show "mongrel dog attitude" for their Super 15 initiation.

We're off again, or at least we have a few games from Australia to whet our 2013 rugby interest.

Remarkable Kiwi amateur golfer Lydia Ko peeled off a staggering 11 birdies and an eagle as she blazed a course record when the Australian Open began yesterday in Canberra.

After another injury-wrecked year, Colin Slade has rejoined a bulging All Black five-eighths battle.