AUCKLAND, March 21, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Auckland Blues coach Vern Cotter says the defending Super Rugby champions are improving, despite losing four of five matches this season, and has urged them to dig deep on Saturday against the Canterbury Crusaders.

A win over the Wellington Hurricanes in round three is all the Blues have to show so far, but a narrow 32-31 loss to the table-topping Waikato Chiefs last week has boosted confidence.

"Last week was a game of the highest standard and I am confident we can continue to improve and provide a major threat to the Crusaders and in this competition," said Cotter.

"We know there is no respite in this competition, but after a sluggish start, we are improving across the squad as a team and as individuals every day and every week.

"We need to continue to dig deep, continue to improve in every facet of our game, every day in every training sessions and then bring that together at Eden Park.

"If we do that, trust in ourselves and in each other to play what is in front of us, then we can prosper."

The Blues have had a long injury list all season and local reports said captain Patrick Tuipulotu had to be ferried from training on a golf buggy on Thursday.

It was not clear whether he will be fit to play.

But they welcome back No.8 Hoskins Sotutu from a red card suspension, while fellow All Blacks Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke and Mark Tele'a have been named in the backline.

The Crusaders, fresh from running in nine tries against Western Force last week, are not underestimating the Blues.

"Results-wise they'll be disappointed and they'll be searching for a win, but they are playing well," said Crusaders coach Rob Penney.

"Without a doubt the rivalry is still there. It's historic and long may it continue, it's one of the greats."