Blues to stake playoff claim

Can the Blues take a bonus point win or, more remarkably, could the Sharks deliver an offshore victory?

Those are some of the broader questions surrounding tonight's game at Eden Park, one which appears to be a mismatch on the evidence of results in this year's Super 12.

But for the past two years, the Blues have been tipped up in the match before leaving for the South African leg of the campaign, with last season's mega-loss to the Stormers the gloomiest.

The Sharks have made little impact this year, their only victory coming against the Brumbies when they played with serious passion for their new coaching staff.

But that vaporised with a dismal defeat against the Chiefs to open their Australasian visit last week.

They have also lost a few of their "name" players such as Butch James and Henno Mentz to injury and have a vastly rejigged side.

Who knows what persona that group will bring to Eden Park tonight and, to a lesser extent, what quality of rugby will accompany the Blues?

Convincing has not been an adjective to throw at their performances which have lurched along since an opening win against the Highlanders.

Suspension and injury have bitten into their resources but there has been an inadequate transfer of training ground rehearsals to match-day habits.

"If you look at the Blues they were scary in the mid-90s," Sharks skipper John Smit said. "But I think they are a bit like us, they are trying to find some form, they are looking for the same thing as us.

"We believe in this competition anyone can beat anyone, look at the Bulls and the Crusaders, and that is what we will be aiming to do this time."

This match must be statement time for the Blues.

They must dispel Smit's maxim about merry-go-round results and continue a mini-streak which has them in touch with the top four. It would also place them in a much better mood when they fly early on Monday for their matches against the Stormers and Bulls.

The Blues have included lock Chresten Davis to counter the Sharks' aerial advantage but it is at the expense of the driving power Nick Williams brought to the pack.

If the Blues cannot get momentum through their pack, the task of slipping the Sharks will be much more difficult.

However, the Sharks' defence has been leaking all season and that must encourage the Blues to chance their skills and speed out wide.

Joe Rokocoko, Doug Howlett and Mils Muliaina have brought differing levels of interest this season and, while Howlett has worked hard, his technique has not matched his enthusiasm.

If they click tonight and there is a similar resurgence from the rest of the Blues, then they will believe they can make the playoffs.

* Blues v Sharks Eden Park, Auckland today 7.35pm