Blues players celebrate after winning their round 18 match against the Brumbies at Canberra Stadium.

Ma'a Nonu of the Blues is tackled against the Brumbies at Canberra Stadium.

Robbie Coleman of the Brumbies is tackled against the Blues at Canberra Stadium.

Alby Mathewson of the Blues kicks the ball against the Brumbies at Canberra Stadium.

Luke Braid in action against the Force.

Ma'a Nonu in action against the Force.

Piri Weepu in action against the Force.

Francis Saili fends the Force's Will Tupou.

Francis Saili is tackled by the Force's Nick Cummins.

Lachie Munroe scores for the Blues.

Rene Ranger sets up the Blues' second try.

Blues player Francis Saili is tackled by Chiefs player Sona Taumalolo.

Chiefs and Blues players have a group hug at North Harbour Stadium.

Blues tighthead prop Tevita Mailau scores against the Highlanders.

Blues right wing David Raikuna is scragged by Highlanders halfback Jimmy Cowan.

Highlanders centre Tamati Ellison is tackled by Blues' second-five Michael Hobbs.

Highlanders left wing Hosea Gear in action against the Blues.

Blues reserves Piri Weepu, Ma'a Nonu and Ali Williams on the bench against the Highlanders.

David Raikuna (L) and Ma'a Nonu against the Crusaders at the new AMI Stadium at Rugby League Park in Christchurch.

Zac Guildford is tackled by Angus Ta'avao (top) and Steven Luata of the Blues at the new AMI Stadium at Rugby League Park in Christchurch.

Robbie Fruean on attack against the Blues at the new AMI Stadium at Rugby League Park in Christchurch.

Dan Carter cool under pressure against the Blues at the new AMI Stadium at Rugby League Park in Christchurch.

Blues right wing David Raikuna in action against the Lions.

Referee Angus Gardner issues a yellow card to Deon van Rensburg of the Lions.

Blues wing Benson Stanley tries to step Lions fullback Andries Coetzee.

Blues second-five Michael Hobbs scores the opening try against the Lions.

Blues wing Benson Stanley is tackled by Lions wing Deon Van Rensburg.

Blues halfback Piri Weepu tries to escape from Lions flanker Grant Hattingh.

Blues centre Ma'a Nonu runs at Lions halfback Ross Cronje.

Blues' Piri Weepu passes against the Hurricanes.

Cory Jane slips through a Piri Weepu tackle.

Victor Vito wins the ball over Ma'a Nonu.

Hurricanes' Karl Lowe on the charge against the Blues.

Blues tighthead prop Charlie Faumuina tackled by Reds' Scott Higginbotham.

Blues first five Gareth Anscombe tries to escape from Reds centre Digby Ioane.

Blues lock Filo Paulo scragged by Reds first five Ben Lucas.

Reds centre Digby Ioane runs at Blues second-five Ma'a Nonu.

Tom McCartney of the Blues shows his disappointment after their loss to the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Rene Ranger of the Blues dives for the tryline against the Highlanders.

Highlanders player Hosea Gear about to be tackled by Blues players.

Blues player Tom McCartney lines up the Highlanders' Adam Thomson.

Highlanders' Jarrad Hoeata tackling Blues' George Moala.

Michael Hobbs juggles the ball during the Blues loss to the Sharks.

Ma'a Nonu chases JP Pietersen and the ball during the Blues' loss to the Sharks.

Ma'a Nonu and Gareth Anscombe discuss tactics during the Blues' loss to the Sharks.

Blues players celebrate Benson Stanley's try against the Sharks.

Blues fans show their support for coach Pat Lam.

The Blues are disconsolate after conceding a try to the Sharks.

The Rebels celebrate after they defeated the Blues.

James O’Connor of the Rebels celebrates with Mitch Inman after he scored against the Blues.

Rudi Wulf of the Blues is tackled by Rebels defenders during their round seven match.

Ali Williams of the Blues runs with the ball against the Rebels.

Ma'a Nonu of the Blues looks to get past James O’Connor of the Rebels.

Gareth Anscombe of the Blues is hauled in by Rebels defenders during their round seven match.

Ma'a Nonu of the Blues celebrates with Piri Weepu after scoring a try against the Hurricanes at Eden Park.

Blues second five eighth Ma'a Nonu dives over to score in the tackle of Hurricanes flanker Jack Lam.

Hurricanes fullback Andre Taylor steps past Blues fullback Lachie Munro as he heads to the try-line.

Blues lock Ali Williams claims a restart against the Hurricanes.

Chris Lowrey of the Blues passes against the Stormers.

Stormers flanker Duane Vermeulen wins the lineout dagainst the Blues.

Blues centre Ma'a Nonu finds a gap against the Stormers.

Stormers hooker Tiaan Liebenberg charges the Blues' defence.

Andries Bekker of the Stormers charges the Blues' defence.

Ma'a Nonu of the Blues is tackled by Morne Steyn of the Bulls.

Wynand Olivier of the Bulls is tackled by Daniel Braid of the Blues.

Rene Ranger of the Blues is tackled by Akona Ndungane of the Bulls.

Ali Williams of the Blues and Juandre Kruger of the Bulls.

Alby Mathewson of the Blues in action against the Bulls.

Jacques Potgieter of the Bulls is tackled by Benson Stanley and Luke Braid of the Blues.

Blues first-five Michael Hobbs is hit by Sonny Bill Williams after punting the ball downfield.

Benson Stanley passes to his right, under pressure from Sonny Bill Williams.

Piri Weepu runs at the Chiefs line after coming on as a second half substitute.

Isaia Toeava of the Blues makes a break during the round two Super Rugby match between the Chiefs and the Blues.

Piri Weepu and Jerome Kaino of the Blues chase down Aaron Cruden and the ball.

The Blues' David Raikuna is tackled during their second round loss against the Chiefs.

Jerome Kaino attempts to charge the kick of Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis.

Blues replacement Piri Weepu in action against the Crusaders.

Blues first five Michael Hobbs is tackled by Crusaders second five Ryan Crotty.

Blues wing David Raikuna celebrates his try with Blues openside flanker Daniel Braid.

Blues captain Keven Mealamu in action against the Crusaders.

Blues No.8 Jerome Kaino attempts to score against the Crusaders.

Blues centre Rene Ranger on the charge.

Blues loosehead prop Tom McCartney attempts to charge the kick of Crusaders first five Tyler Bleyendaal.

Crusaders captain Kieran Read is tackled by Blues fullback Isaia Toeava.

Blues blindside flanker Chris Lowrey and Blues No.8 Jerome Kaino atempt to score against the Crusaders.