Lee Stensness: That Homer Simpson feeling is not just down to injuries

As is the fashion at, or before, the start of the Super 12, rugby followers pick their likely top four. Most people, me included, had the Blues in there somewhere. As the modern day Homer might say, "Doh!" How did we all get it wrong?

The most obvious answer is injuries. The Blues had more than their fair share.

If you go through the entire backline, position by position, and catalogue the disruptions it is easy to see why the potential of the Blues didn't materialise. It's doubtful that the unlucky backs coach, Joe Schmidt, ever had his preferred combination together, certainly not for any significant period.

Even in pre-season, injuries and the late start of the All Blacks meant they sometimes didn't have a full backline available.

Perhaps they should be used to it by now. But the halfback crisis was unbelievable, down to the fifth best option - surely a Super 12 record? If Steve Devine and David Gibson had been competing vigorously for the starting spot, the Blues machine would have been more oiled. This would have lessened the impact of the disruptions at first-five. Form caused the initial change but then injuries took their toll. While Luke McAlister is a more than adequate replacement, he would have hardly even trained in that position this year. It was a big ask.

McAlister has had a mixed first full season of Super 12, playing three positions when ideally he should have been developing in just one.

This even affected his normally excellent goal-kicking. But he is definitely one for the future.

The other key injury problem was at centre with Ben Atiga out most of the time. Hindsight suggests Mils Muliaina should have shifted to 13 earlier - but it's easy to be wise now and, at the time, I agreed with keeping Mils at fullback.

Injuries aside, losses against the Chiefs, Crusaders and Hurricanes also hurt the Blues' semifinal chances big time. The manner of the defeats cut deep. Against the Chiefs it was self-sabotage; against the Crusaders, well, 41-0 at one stage says it all.

Thankfully the bye week saw the desire return and it has remained, though the self-sabotage was back against the Hurricanes when they could have won despite the injuries.

Suspensions were unnecessary and avoidable but were undeserved for Gibson and Sam Tuitupou. Rua Tipoki was a victim of his own punching prowess. Most others, myself included, would have missed or not done any damage, thus escaping punishment. Ali Williams may have learned his lesson - a good thing in the long run.

These modern Blues need to learn from some of the original Blues and not get caught.

The coaching staff, in particular David Nucifora and Schmidt, will have learned a lot about the Blues players and culture. As proven coaches, they will have plans to help take the team to a higher level.

The continued improvement and maturing of the front row and Jerome Kaino, Tasesa Laeva, McAlister and Atiga - as well as the enduring class of others - means that the disappointment of not making the semifinals is tempered by some positives. Indeed, the prospects for next season look good.

Injuries permitting, of course.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY