The Blues may have fallen to new depths this season with just one win in their last eight outings but there can be no denying the desire and determination of the team to rise and put an end to their losing streak.

Benson Stanley has every reason to celebrate earning 50 caps when he takes the field to face the Queensland Reds on Friday night.

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.