08 Mar 2010 9:30 a.m.
The bye has come at just the right time for the Blues in the Super 14, with the team decimated by injuries in Saturday night's loss to the Crusaders.
So many players limped from the field during the match, that reserve halfback Chris Smylie finished the game playing on the wing. Number 8 Viliame Ma'afu hobbled off with thigh and neck injuries, Joe Rokocoko struggled for most of the game with his heavily strapped leg and Stephen Brett suffered a concussion.
The week off will give those players a chance to heal, while Anthony Tuitavake, Luke McAlister and Chris Lowrey are expected to play some club rugby this weekend as they work their way back to full fitness.