Mealamu: ‘Weepu has let us down’

BLUES CAPTAIN Keven Mealamu says an out-of-shape Piri Weepu has let the team down.

The chunky All Blacks halfback has looked unfit this season as he battles with his weight and for game time.

“He's a player that we can definitely do with out there. He's probably not in the top `condition` that he's been in in his career and that's what we really need from him, to be at that top fitness level,” Mealamu told Radio Sport.

Mealamu says Weepu is also frustrated at his inability to contribute more to the team.

“If he'd turned up in better `condition`, then he'd be able to contribute more to us. That's something he's going to have to look at, we're going to have to look at as well. We're all professionals here, we should never have to turn up in that sort of shape.”

Weepu, who along with Ma’a Nonu linked up with the Blues after falling out with Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett last year, arrived at pre-season training overweight and has struggled to find consistency in his game.

The Blues play the Sharks at Eden Park this Friday.