Article

It's been another frustrating season for the Blues who sit bottom of the New Zealand conference and are in danger of missing the playoffs for a third straight season. But the good news is they're only six points behind the table-topping Hurricanes and tonight's match is very winnable.

The Blues' cause isn't helped by losing centre Francis Saili to an ankle injury suffered at training on Wednesday. He is replaced by Jackson Willison.

Also missing is captain Luke Braid to a shoulder injury, leaving the second-choice Brendon O'Connor to combat Liam Gill, the classy Reds openside flanker who returns after five weeks battling a hamstring niggle.

Reds
1. James Slipper,2. Saia Fainga'a,3. Greg Holmes,4. Rob Simmons,5. James Horwill (C),6. Eddie Quirk,7. Liam Gill,8. Jake Schatz,9. Will Genia (VC),10. Quade Cooper,11. Rod Davies,12. Anthony Fainga'a,13. Ben Tapuai,14. Chris Feauai-Sautia,15. Mike Harris

Replacements : 16. James Hanson,17. Ben Daley,18. Jono Owen,19. Ed O'Donoghue,20. Beau Robinson,21. Nick Frisby,22. Ben Lucas,23. Jamie-Jerry Taulagi

I'm Steven Holloway and tonight I'm putting together a mega-blog with all your rugby and then rugby league needs covered. At the conclusion of this match I will switch to cover the Anzac test as the Kiwis take on the Kangaroos in Sydney.

The TAB has the Blues as $1.37 favourites while the Reds are $2.90 outsiders. Remember to gamble responsibly.

Kick off is just ten minutes away now. Join in the chat tonight by clicking 'comment' and sharing your views. Who will win? Where are you tuning in from? Are you having a good night? I want to hear it all.

Quade Cooper now leads the Reds out for his 100th game. As expected his reception from the Auckland faithful isn't exactly welcoming.

Now Mealamu lead the Blues out. That's more like it, the crowd get out of their seats and make some noise. We're ready to go.

Simon Hickey kicks off for the Blues and Reds skipper James Horwill brings it down.

Penalty Reds! An early penalty for a late tackle and Cooper kicks for touch.

Thanks Jak, great to have you on board. So far the boos have been rather muted, will keep you posted.

Penalty Blues.

He stabs one out by the 22. Good attacking position here for the Blues.

The scene is set, it's nearly haka time.