Rugby: Lam remains realistic as Blues hit heady heights

Injury has ruled out Tony Woodcock. Photo / Getty Images

Pragmatism and worry lines have been unusual companions for the Blues.

But these are rare days for a side which sits on top of the New Zealand section of the Super 15 in a taste of the prestige which has eluded the Blues since their last title in 2003.

They cemented that ascension with a bonus point 40-23 win against the Rebels then watched as the Highlanders stopped the Crusaders' winning surge. That left the Blues leading their group and heading into a salivating clash on Friday against the Highlanders at Carisbrook.

Coach Pat Lam has turned up the pressure, demanding more from himself and his squad.

He has been around the block a few times as a player and coach and understands the currents in a long competition and the sporting psyche.

"Now is not the time to be peaking, it is time to keep winning, getting the points, clocking up the points," he said.

It was a practical reaction to a ragged win against the first-year franchise, a side with a collection of experienced "names" but with a lack of rhythm and instinct about their work.

Lam knew his men had made hard work of the victory but they had a result which in previous seasons may have slipped from their grasp.

"The bottom line is we are winning and we know we are not playing as well as we can do at times," he said.

"At times we are playing very good rugby. We want to park that win and keep working on our game."

Unbeaten in their last seven games, they are top of the local franchise, with only one pool match against the Reds left to play outside New Zealand.

There are other pluses, with lock Ali Williams back after a hamstring injury and Benson Stanley as well, although those returns may be balanced by worries about Tony Woodcock and Jerome Kaino.

Other concerns for the Blues will be their recurring inability to shut down matches once they have built a substantial lead.

The week before they bolted out to a 31-7 halftime lead against the Waratahs and then did not score another point, while conceding 10.

On Friday at North Harbour Stadium, the Blues raced to a 17-3 lead before stalling. Five minutes from the end they were holding a slender five-point margin, before surging with two more tries. They need to shore up their defence and discover ways of holding a game, winding the clock down rather than winding their coaches up.

It is tough because their instincts are to find a multitude of ways to score. They want the ball, they want to attack with speed, flair and width.

In men like captain Keven Mealamu, Kaino and Peter Saili they are getting the shoulders to the grindstone ethic while Luke Braid is another in the long line of energised opensiders in this country.

Behind them Rene Ranger clicked up his attacking mojo, Stanley brought solidity and one exceptional try and Jared Payne showed more of the clarity which Ulster have recognised. The coaches now have some crucial selection decisions. Stephen Brett or Luke McAlister or both for Friday?

Do they push a few damaged troops into action at Carisbrook and then spell them next round against the flaky Hurricanes before the Reds?

The Blues may be top of their pool but the pressure only increases. It is tough but players and coaches would not trade their position for any they have suffered in the past seven seasons.

INJURY RULES OUT WOODCOCK

Test loosehead prop Tony Woodcock will miss the Blues' next duel with the Highlanders on Friday.

He sprained his left foot in the win against the Rebels and is out of the side's next matches against the Highlanders and Hurricanes, and perhaps more.

X-rays cleared the Blues' centurion of a fracture but he will have an MRI scan tomorrow to further assess damage.

His absence and Charlie Faumuina's continued rehab from a hamstring injury means Tevita Mailau will start in the front row with Pauliasi Manu likely to be called on to the bench.

Daniel Braid's neck injury is improving but he will not be considered this week. Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams and Alby Mathewson have all been cleared for duty.