Utility forward Joe Wheeler and the Highlanders are expecting the Blues to head to Dunedin still smarting from the tongue-lashing they received from their coach.

The Blues go into the Super Rugby match at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday night after a 30-13 defeat to the Brumbies, which featured a fired-up Sir John Kirwan laying down the law at half-time to his players.

“They certainly took a spray from JK,” Wheeler said.

“He’s obviously a very passionate man. They would have been disappointed with the way they played in the first half against the Brumbies although they improved a lot in the second.

“They’ve had two losses in a row now and hopefully we can make it three.”

Not that the Highlanders, after 11 defeats from 12 games, are exactly chipper about their prospects.

“It seems to be the year when the rugby gods aren’t on our side,” Wheeler said.

The Highlanders were on the verge of clinching their second win last week when a late and dangerous tackle by replacement wing Tino Nemani enabled the Western Force to sneak past them 19-18 in Perth.

Wheeler has been used as a lock and blindside flanker this season, and while the latter is his preference, he is comfortable with either role.

“Forwards have to be able to run, catch and pass these days,” he said.

“It doesn’t really matter what number you have on your back.”

One interesting selection when the Highlanders team is named on Friday will be on the right wing.

Jason Emery, who started against the Force, is with the New Zealand under-20 team, Kade Poki and Buxton Popoali’i are injured and Nemani is hardly top of the pops after his brain explosion last week.

The Blues won 29-18 when the teams played in Auckland earlier this season.