Kirwan is the Blues' saviour

Their position on the Super Rugby standings may not have improved, but Graham Henry believes John Kirwan has made the Blues a better team.

The World Cup-winning former All Black coach, Henry, has finished his coaching role with the Blues - as they finished 10th for the second straight Super Rugby season.

Kirwan acknowledged his job as head coach will be on the line if the Blues fail to make the play-offs next year.

However, Henry told Newstalk ZB Kirwan has improved the side.

"This Blues side is a lot better side now than when JK [Kirwan] took it over," Henry said.

"It's a lot tighter, the players enjoy the environment, enjoy the franchise, enjoy JK and enjoy each other's company, and I think there's good things happening there."

Source: Newstalk ZB