Charles Piutau says most of the Blues side were motivated by John Kirwan's spray © Getty Images

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Blues fullback Charles Piutau has denied rumours that players of Pacific Island or Maori heritage were disheartened by John Kirwan's coaching style and felt that he had helped to instil a sense of pride within the players.

Interviewed by Sportal regarding one of Kirwan's earlier team talks, the star revealed that many, if not all, of the players responded positively to their fiery mentor and felt more passion was needed each week.

"I think this is a coach that is really passionate about this team, about his job and about the area," Piutau said. "He's played in the jersey and he doesn't want us to embarrass the franchise or ourselves. It was kind of good, at the time it was expected. We weren't playing at the level we should have been and it did kind of woke us up. From the players that I've spoken to, it got them up."

While his technical advisor may have had to retract certain comments he made after a tough loss Kirwan makes no apologies for his strong use of language on game day.

Muted footage of Kirwan haranguing his players during the half-time break of Saturday's loss to the Brumbies has raised a few eyebrows as well as questions about his methods. A complete form reversal ensued in the second half but came up short as the Blues suffered their sixth defeat of the season.

After the game veteran hooker Keven Mealamu said the Blues fared better after receiving a "good kick up the butt" but was embarrassed by the poor first-half performance.

At Tuesday's media session Kirwan fielded numerous questions about his rant to which he responded: "It's just who I am - I'm a very emotional person and that's what I do."

The 48-year-old was also seen delivering a similar spray during a round three loss to the Bulls at Eden Park but insists his players have never responded negatively.

"I haven't had any issues with the rugby team. It was business as usual for me on Sunday and Monday, he said. "The boys are used to me and they know I wear my heart on my sleeve and that's what I am."

Kirwan will need his men to fire on all cylinders as they enter a do-or-die scenario in the final four rounds of regular competition.

Suffering back-to-back losses in the past fortnight, the seventh placed Blues are deadlocked with the Crusaders on 42 points and cannot ill-afford to lose if they are going to snatch a wildcard spot in the finals.

This week's clash with the hapless Highlanders has the potential to be a banana skin match but Kirwan said the contest for the Gordon Hunter Memorial trophy will only add to the emotion before kick-off.

"Gordan was a fantastic man and he started me out in this industry at the end of my career when I was needing something," said Kirwan. He had an influence on both franchises and he has incredible respect from both. I think the passion and commitment he showed on occasions is something these guys will appreciate."

Meanwhile, flanker Steven Luatua has recovered from a neck injury that saw him miss one game, while openside flanker Luke Braid strained his groin after falling awkwardly at training and will be monitored.