Talismanic Blues skipper Keven Mealamu is poised to make a return to Test match rugby after being named on the All Blacks bench for their third and final clash with Ireland in Hamilton on Saturday.

Former Blues player Orene Ai’i has made a remarkable return to the franchise he last played for in 2004 to provide cover for an escalating injury crisis.

The Blues take on the Western Force in their final home game of the season ñ so get hold of your mates because for $60 you can get 4 Gold seats in the North Stand (you’d normally pay $120).

Winger David Raikuna is the latest casualty to join an unprecedented number of Blues players on the sidelines after X-rays confirmed the Fijian flyer has a broken leg.

Blues lock Ali Williams has become the latest high profile All Black to join the casualty ward after injuring his knee during Saturday night’s Test match against Ireland in Christchurch.

Emirates Team New Zealand joined the Blues for an early morning training session and grinder challenge at Unitec last week.

Andrew Van der Heijden has been called into the Blues squad to provide cover at lock for their last two remaining games.

Blues lock Filo Paulo will miss the remainder of the Investec Super Rugby season after being suspended for five weeks.

Blues star Tony Woodcock will make his 76th start at prop for the All Blacks (in his 84th Test) on Saturday, putting him third on the all-time world list of most Test match starts in the position.