New Zealand Rugby and the Blues have expressed sadness following the death of former All Black Frank Oliver.

The Blues scored five tries in a spectacular 25 minute spell but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Lions as they suffered a 39-36 defeat at Ellis Park.

The Blues Development team kicked off their season with a last minute, 33-27 victory over the Chiefs Development team.

Benji Marshall will make his first start for the Blues when they take on the Lions at Ellis Park on Sunday morning (kick-off 2am NZT).

Blues Development coach Steve Jackson has named an experienced team for their first hit out against the Chiefs Development team at Ardmore Marist tomorrow.

Blues hooker Keven Mealamu will return home to New Zealand after failing to overcome a calf injury.

The Blues slumped to a disappointing 38-22 defeat to the Bulls in Pretoria on Sunday morning.

The Blues have received a timely boost of front row firepower ahead of their match against the burly Bulls on Sunday morning, with veterans Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock set to make their first starts for the team this season.

At 65, Des Easden is recently retired and spends most of his time with hammer in hand, doing DIY fix-it jobs at the Mt Albert home he shares with his wife. But retirement didn’t stop Des from donning the Blues’ jersey at Eden Park over the weekend!

42 young rugby players had their first taste of professional rugby last weekend when they took part in the 2014 Blues 17 Development Day.

The Blues have named a 27-man squad for their two week tour of South Africa. Sir John Kirwan’s men play the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday Sunday 4.05am NZT) before taking on the Lions at Ellis Park a week later.

So from 2014 we are asking all our fans to ëJoin the game’. We’re going to be giving fans lots of ways to get involved with us, whether it’s appearing in our ads or adding their own personal image to the team poster ñ and much more besides.