Kirwan: Eden Park factor can save us

John Kirwan is backing the Eden Park factor to turn the Blues' fortunes around. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

John Kirwan is backing the Eden Park factor to turn the Blues' fortunes around.

The recently finished Cricket World Cup has meant the Blues have yet to play at their fortress this season - instead their two home games have been at North Harbour.

So, as his team prepare to host the Brumbies on Friday, Kirwan remained optimistic about his team's chances of finishing the season strongly and even stated he believed a play-off place wasn't out of the question. Six of their next nine matches are at Eden Park.

The Blues are last of 15 teams with five bonus points only from their seven defeats. Last year they were beaten only once at Eden Park - by the Chiefs in their final match.

Asked about his team's play-off chances, he said: "Never over. We're running out of runway but we're certainly really positive. We've got a strong run home with a lot of home games. It's fantastic to be back at Eden Park this week, but we need to start winning so it's certainly not over. We still believe we can force for a play-off spot."

Kirwan said the franchise had undergone a mid-season review, but only as far as on-field performance was concerned. His role - he is in the last year of a three-year contract - did not come up, but might in the near future.

"That process is not something we've done yet and it's really up to the club," he said, adding the seven successive defeats were a source of frustration.

"It is frustrating and what you've got to do is turn that frustration into hard work. I'm frustrated for the fans and supporters because we're actually playing with courage and commitment which is incredible under the circumstances."

Blues and All Blacks loose forward Steven Luatua today confirmed he would be staying in New Zealand for the next two years at least after signing a new contract.

Halfback Jimmy Cowan is unavailable to play the Brumbies due to paternity leave, with Tony Woodcock, who missed last week's defeat to the Chiefs in Hamilton, still out with concussion.

Blues team to play the Brumbies at Eden Park on Friday, kick-off 7.35pm is: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Pita Ahki, George Moala, Melani Nanai, Dan Bowden, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jerome Kaino (c), Brendon O'Connor, Luke Braid, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Bekhuis, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons, Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Sam Prattley, Angus Ta'avao, Hayden Triggs, Steven Luatua, Jamie Booth, Ihaia West, Francis Saili.