Rugby: JK's men odds on for elusive win

Akira Ioane of the Blues is tackled by James Broadhurst of the Hurricanes during the round five Super Rugby match between the Hurricanes and the Blues at Arena Manawatu. Photo / Getty Images

Given the Blues' virtual inability to win away from Eden Park, and their incredible recent record at their fortress, fellow strugglers the Force appear set to remain at the bottom of the table after this afternoon's match.

Another factor in the Blues' favour is the fact that their opposition from Western Australia lead the statistics table in many ways they don't want to.

The Force have the fewest average clean breaks per game (5.2) than any other team in the competition. They also record the fewest tackles per match (86) on average, but more on this later. They also, statistically speaking, appear to have one of the worst scrums and lineouts in the competition.

The one aspect of their game, however, which is better than any other team is the way they can retain the ball. They are masters at it, holding possession for 17.34 minutes per match, on average. In comparison, the competition's worst side the Cheetahs retain possession for 12.54 minutes.

That probably also accounts for why the Force make the fewest tackles - they simply don't have to when they have the ball.

All of which is fine, but what counts of course is the performance and John Kirwan's backline is overdue a good one.

First-five Dan Bowden will probably relish not having to face another New Zealand side after losses to the Highlanders and Crusaders prevented their win over the Brumbies becoming a streak.

He and his fellow backs are likely to be given slightly more leeway on attack away from the stifling line-speed of the New Zealand teams.

It is something Bowden, Francis Saili and George Moala can take advantage of and with Charles Piutau back at fullback, the Blues automatically look more dangerous.

Any sort of win would do, but a win with a cohesion between Bowden and his midfield and Piutau and wings Melani Nanai and Lolagi Visinia would give them slightly more confidence ahead of their trip to Melbourne to play the Rebels. The Blues finish with four games at Eden Park.

Veteran hooker Keven Mealamu for one wants to find a way to double their win tally today, saying the losing streak was taking its toll on Kirwan.

"You can see in his body language that it's been pretty tough on JK. We'll be trying our best to try to unload that.

"With the results we've often played well and lost, so it would be nice to be on the other side - to win despite not playing well."

More reasons to be hopeful?

The Force have never won at Eden Park, and they were the only team the Blues beat away from home last season.