Wynne Gray: Blues get stuck in zone of disconnect

Frank Halai is the only Blues back to start the last three games in the same position. Photo / Getty Images

No one's sure where the malfunction is so it's difficult problem to solve immediately.

When you're bottom of the pile, you are usually there for some reason. It's no accident you are gazing up at every other team after seven rounds of competition, and the Blues' results halfway through the Super Rugby series reinforce concerns about their progress.

Initially it may have been selection issues, then coaching misadventures and a lack of cogent strategies to deliver concerted production.

Those issues manifest themselves somewhere on the field in set-piece problems, troubled defensive patterns or difficulties finding some concerted attack.

After the repeat loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton, coach John Kirwan lamented that "we just haven't been able to cross the line".

Not often enough anyway, and certainly not enough from the backline. In their seven matches, the Blues forwards have scored five of the nine tries.

Put that paltry attacking reward against defensive numbers, which show their rivals have put 16 tries past them, and the Blues' lack of impact becomes more apparent.

Around his duties as head coach, Kirwan oversees the attack areas while assistant Grant Doorey is responsible for the defence.

Data about lineouts, scrums, breakdowns and other areas show the Blues competing strongly in most categories.

Those planks of the forwards' work should be strong with the calibre of All Black and rising talent in their squad, where assistant coach Glenn Moore works with them around lineouts, breakdown and general work, while Nick White oversees the scrum details.

In most matches the Blues have been well in the game with their forwards. When possession is shifted away the difficulties have appeared.

They could argue twin games against the Chiefs and away games against the champion Waratahs, Stormers and Hurricanes is a tough schedule but every team has these demands. Games against the Cheetahs and Lions were untidy.

Selections have also had an intriguing edge. There are demands about resting All Blacks, although Kirwan is avoiding that while his side searches for a win to get a toehold in the competition. When all hope has vanished, he will meet the national obligations.

The selection tinkering and alterations forced by injury go on. Take the last three games against the Hurricanes, Waratahs and Chiefs, interspersed with a bye. Wing Frank Halai is the only back who has started those three games in the same position.

In the pack, tighthead prop Charlie Faumuina is the solitary forward who has been picked for the same role in that trio of matches.

Charles Piutau, Steven Luatua and Brendon O'Connor have started all three but have switched positions. Three men -- Piutau, George Moala then Pita Ahki -- have started at centre, and it's those sorts of changes which are biting into the patterns and rhythm they are seeking.

Is this selection indecision or a search for some magic, some spark and cohesion to halt the wretched run?

There's persistent talk from the Blues players about showing heart in their work. They have not flagged in their efforts and that is one commendation in trying circumstances.

Professional players should bring that as an automatic principle when they go to work.

The next step of applying skill to the coaches' plans is still in the disconnect stage with no one sure where the malfunction is.