The All Black stalwart was a helpless spectator on the replacements bench during the first half of his side's 16-11 defeat to the Chiefs at the weekend.
During that first 40 minutes, Mealamu - who was on a two-week period of prescribed rest by the All Black selectors - had to watch as the Chiefs completely dominated during the scrums and line-outs.
The Hamilton-based side had a field day, and although Mealamu came on straight after the break, he could not prevent his side from suffering their third successive defeat.
There was a better showing in the Blues' set-play when Mealamu made his entry but he admits there will have to be a significant improvement in that department if they want to beat the Crusaders in Timaru.
"The Crusaders are a very classy side and we need to make sure we fix our wrongs now. It's going to be tough travelling down to their home ground as well," he told Fairfax Media.
Mealamu admits that it was difficult to watch from the sidelines during his team's inept first half display.
"You feel like you want to be there and you know the boys are working hard, but I was pretty focused when I got the chance to come on," he said.
He said he appreciated the chance to give his body a rest but said he is now concentrating on getting the Blues' faltering campaign back on track.
After this weekend's match against the Crusaders the Blues face the Highlanders in Auckland in the last round-robin match before the play-offs.
"It's going to be crucial too," he said of the last two rounds of the round-robin stage.
"We've really got a hard grind ahead, and we need to make sure everyone's on board."
Keven Mealamu
Keven Mealamu
Keven Mealamu
Keven Mealamu
Keven Mealamu
Keven Mealamu
Keven Mealamu
