Rugby: Good joke ... but a win'll be better

Jerome Kaino is playing well, but his team hasn't had a win since last year. Photo / Getty Images

There's nothing funny about losing seven matches in a row, but the Blues still have a sense of humour.

Want proof? After their latest defeat, the 23-16 reverse against the Chiefs in Hamilton last weekend, a boy aged 11 or 12 shouted a question to Blues halfback Jimmy Cowan as he made his way off the Waikato Stadium pitch.

"Hey, Jimmy!" the boy shouted, "how's Owen?"

"Huh?" Cowan is said to have replied. The kid responded: "How's 0 and 7?"

Cowan passed the joke on to his teammates, some of whom even managed wry smiles.

On the eve of their match against the Brumbies at Eden Park, the first time they have played there this season, the Blues figure there's no point in being down in the dumps about their horror streak, and that makes sense.

They have had some terrible luck to go along with their poor decision-making at crucial times, but they remain together and committed to the cause. They have to prepare for every match as though it will be the one that will stop the rot.

There are no factions within the squad, according to one player, who was pleasantly surprised at the culture in a franchise which last enjoyed a competition victory on June 28, 2014 - a 44-14 win over the Force in Perth.

A key to their good cheer is said to be the way fitness trainer Jason Price ensures the start of trainings are fun and different, and the way some of the senior players are conducting themselves.

After the loss to the Waratahs a fortnight ago - a match now noted for opposition coach Michael Cheika's halftime visit to referee Jaco Peyper - veteran hooker Keven Mealamu is said to have told the team in the Allianz Stadium dressing room something along the lines of: "We can go two ways. We can fall apart or we can stick together and I know which way I want to go."

Mealamu's call to arms has had a galvanising effect on the squad, especially the younger members who need strong leadership during these tough times.

For captain Jerome Kaino, who is leading a team at this level for the first time, the streak is a frustrating one, although he at least can take comfort in the knowledge that he is playing well.

"I don't think the results are reflecting how hard we've been working and what we've been putting into games," he said this week.

"The little crucial moments [are hurting us] - our decision-making and executing in those moments. We had a lot of them in the Chiefs game and we could pinpoint a lot of those throughout the season that could have got us over the line or won us games and we haven't nailed them.

He added of the past eight weeks: "I'd say it's been one of the toughest [streaks]. I don't think I've ever been 0-7 with the Blues, although we've had that underachievers tag for a while.

"It's been tough looking at the team and talent that we have - knowing we can put out good performances - and not getting any results has been frustrating."