As a youngster growing up on a farm in Rangatikei, an hour’s drive from Manawatu, Hadleigh Parkes was never fond of those lattÈ swilling sorts from Auckland.

Today, at a special Blues Board meeting, Gary Whetton was elected as the new chairman of the Blues, following the resignation of Greg Muir earlier this month.

In what is becoming a heartbreaking habit, the Blues put themselves in a position to close out a tight game only for it to slip agonisingly out of their grasp as they were defeated 30-27 by the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday night.

Luke Braid will become the youngest ever player to captain the Blues when he leads the side out to face the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm).

Embattled Blues head coach Pat Lam has reiterated his deep desire to lead the Blues out of their current mire and maintain his job with the franchise.

How would you like to win tickets for you and your kids to Bluebeard’s High Sea Adventure this Wednesday morning?

Tickets to see the World Champion All Blacks in action for the first time since the Rugby World Cup 2011 Final are now on sale.

The pain continues for the Blues as they were defeated 23-29 by the Sharks at Eden Park on Friday night.

Replacing a player of the calibre of Jerome Kaino is an impossible and unenviable task for anyone, but Blues loose forward Chris Lowrey is relishing that challenge and has made an incredible fist of it so far this season.

The Blues return to Eden Park on Friday night for their round eight clash with the Sharks determined to salvage their season and reignite their faltering campaign.

All Black lock Ali Williams has been relegated to the bench and outside back Lachie Munro has been axed from the 22 altogether for Friday night’s match against the Sharks at Eden Park (kick-off 7.35pm).

The Blues slumped to their fifth defeat in six matches as they were defeated by the Rebels 34-23 in Melbourne on Thursday night.