At a glance
things off on equal footing.
There has been a lot wrong with the Blues over the last decade, selfawareness among their most glaring weaknesses. The more they failed, the more they seemingly failed to recognise the factors contributing to their demise.
But change has been a constant at the franchise over the last couple of years. Leon MacDonald came in to head a coaching overhaul at the start of last season, while Andrew Hore has taken the CEO’s reins for this one. There has been a board shakeup as well, and, finally, a much more cohesive approach among the constituent unions.
Almost laughably, the relationship between the Auckland, North Harbour and Northland unions who make up the Blues was all but dysfunctional until bridges were built and fences mended ahead of the start of the 2019 season. They are now at least sitting round the same table and spitballing the key issues.
Fundamental change, of course, does not happen overnight and in 2019 there was little discernible improvement from the Blues. They won just won more match than the season before in finishing 5-1-10 and six points off a fairly generous top-eight finals cutoff.
But they were not a millions miles away, finishing their season with singledigit defeats to the Crusaders, Reds and Hurricanes to go with a home draw against the Bulls. Close but no cigar.
And the new coaching setup of MacDonald, Tom Coventry, Tana Umaga and Daniel Halangahu – hastily assembled for 2019 – have now had a season under their belts, have selected their own squad and start 2020 a lot further down the track than they did their first campaign.
There have been notable defections, with veteran midfielders Sonny Bill Williams and Ma’a Nonu gone, as well as consistent fullback Melani Nanai and feisty halfback Augustine Pulu.
But there is enough continuity to offer more than false hope. The core is intact, especially up front where they have quality in depth in the front row and loose forwards, if not in the lock department. Standout 2019 rookie Tom Robinson starts there tonight alongside skipper Patrick Tuipulotu.
Blues 2020 squad: Forwards: Kurt Eklund, Ray Niuia, James Parsons, Alex Hodgman, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Sione Mafileo, Marcel Renata, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Aaron Carroll, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Josh Goodhue, Jacob Pierce, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Blake Gibson, Akira Ioane, Tony Lamborn, Dalton Papalii, Waimana RiedlingerKapa, Tom Robinson, Hoskins Sotutu, James Tucker
Backs: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Jonathan Ruru, Beauden Barrett (midApril start), Otere Black, Jack Heighton, Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer, TJ Faiane, Rieko Ioane, Joe Marchant, Tanielu Tele’a, Caleb Clarke (released for NZ sevens), Matt Duffie, Jordan Hyland, Emoni Narawa, Jared Page, Mark Telea. Losses: Sonny Bill Williams, Ma’a Nonu, Melani Nanai, Scott Scrafton, Jed Brown, Jimmy Tupou, Augustine Pulu, Levi Aumua, Michael Collins, Jordan Trainor. Gains: Beauden Barrett, Kurt Eklund, Ray Niuia, Aaron Carroll, Tony Lamborn, Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa, James Tucker, Finlay Christie, Jack Heighton, Joe Marchant, Jordan Hyland, Emoni Narawa, Jared Page, Mark Telea. Player to watch: Young No 8 Hoskins Sotutu gets the nod to start the season at No 8 ahead of the enigmatic Akira Ioane. If he makes the impact his coaches expect, he may never relinquish the jersey.
TAB odds: $13
Prediction: This could be their year. The playoffs await.
The Blues, of course, picked up the most notable off-season signing of the competition in All Blacks superstar Beauden Barrett – a difference-maker if ever there has been one.
The only problem is he won’t make his first appearance until mid-April and by then the damage could be done. Stephen Perofeta, Otere Black (out with a rib injury just now) and Harry Plummer will hold the fort until then.
There remain major questions hovering over these Blues. Mental strength and culture have been key areas of deficiency. Can they be improved? They look a little underresourced in the back three as well. And they would not want to lose Tuipulotu for any length of time.
MacDonald is optimistic. ‘‘We feel like we were in the fight last year. The challenge is to learn from those close losses. We’ve consolidated a lot of stuff, banked that and hopefully it’s going to put us in position to turn a couple of those close losses into wins. That’s all we need to make the playoffs.’’
Is this the Blues’ year? Aren’t they all?