The Blues put a week of off-field distractions behind them with a character filled 21-13 victory over the Waratahs at Eden Park tonight.

To celebrate 100 years of club rugby at Eden Park, two of the city’s oldest clubs will play in the curtain raiser to the Blues v Waratahs match at the ground tomorrow afternoon.

Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan has made four changes to the starting XV for Friday night’s ANZAC day clash with the Waratahs at Eden Park (kick-off 5.35pm).

Blues first five-eighths Simon Hickey has been named to captain the New Zealand Under 20 team at this year’s Junior Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand Rugby and the Blues have today agreed and confirmed the terms of Benji Marshall’s release from his Investec Super Rugby contract.

The Blues’ poor away form continued as they suffered a 39-20 defeat to the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium on Friday night.

Ma’a Nonu has been ruled out of tonight’s match against the Hurricanes through injury.

When New Zealand’s five Investec Super Rugby teams run on to the field for their Round 15 matches in May, every side will feature an entire squad of new names.

Reinstated first five-eighths Chris Noakes is determined to seize his opportunity when the Blues face the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium tomorrow night in what shapes as a crucial match for both sides.

Blues hooker Tom McCartney has signed a three year deal with Irish Pro12 side Connacht and will join his former Auckland and Blues coach Pat Lam in Galway at the conclusion of the ITM Cup.