Blues statistics make for grim reading

By WYNNE GRAY

The grisliest statistic to emerge from the Blues' latest Super 12 defeat is the escalating rate of handling errors.

After video analysis, the coaching staff pinpointed 31 handling mistakes in the 3-20 weekend loss to the Reds.

"It is way too high," coach Peter Sloane conceded, "although sometimes figures do not tell the whole story."

He felt the Blues made much of the play in the opening quarter at Ballymore, had put in other strong periods and defended strongly.

But they had not created enough pressure through phase play and had hurt their chances with poor finishing.

"We did not play enough over the advantage line and that is where you build your confidence. If we play ball we are hard to stop and we have got to do that.

"We are working hard but we are running out of time."

That last appraisal is a glimpse at the rising pressure on the defending champions.

The Blues have even longer to contemplate their fate, with a bye this weekend before they resume against the Hurricanes in round six.

To ease the tension, Sloane decided they should not regroup until later in the week after yesterday's recovery session and debrief.

"We have to freshen, get some of the excitement back. They need time to clear their heads," he said.

Sloane remained confident his side were close to a revival. They had to work harder, but they still had plenty of belief in their systems and ability despite others' opinions.

Captain Xavier Rush is expected to return from concussion for the next game and there is optimism that flanker Daniel Braid will also be fit.

Extra concerns after the weekend were Bradley Mika with a calf injury and Steve Devine with shoulder problems but both should recover this week.

"The skipper should be dead right and we will need to be very clear early about who is available," Sloane said.

Auckland recovered from similar results last year to retain their NPC title and Sloane endured a similar predicament when he was coaching the Crusaders in 1998 before they picked up their first Super 12 title.

"I don't forget those moments and I don't doubt these guys can do it but you can't compare this group with those Crusaders. I don't think I have seen a side hurt this much.

"We do not doubt ourselves but we have to get the excitement back in the squad and the easiest way to do that is to win."