Rouse the sleeping giant
halfback Augustine Pulu – Umaga’s surprise 2017 captain – and naming lock Patrick Tuipulotu and flanker Blake Gibson co-captains for the 2019 campaign.
MacDonald, Tasman’s head coach the past three Mitre 10 Cup season, has plenty to work with, as Umaga did the past three years.
Look no further than the backs, an ultra-talented group which includes Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Sonny Bill Williams, TJ Faiane and Pulu. The forwards, boosted by the signing of loosehead prop Karl Tu’inukuafe, are also pretty handy.
‘‘MacDonald’s biggest challenge will be getting the group to gel both and on off the paddock.’’
Look out for Northland loose forward Tom Robinson, who has one heck of a motor on him, and newly minted All Black Dalton Papalii.
MacDonald’s biggest challenge will be getting the group to gel, ensuring the likes of 36-year-old former All Black Ma’a Nonu, who agreed to return to the team when good friend Umaga was still coach, join the cause and help form a united squad.
Ensuring there is no friction between himself and Umaga, who is contracted as defence coach through 2020, will also be paramount.
Time will tell if the Blues are ready to make some meaningful noise, but there is at least hope better days will return.
MacDonald was playing for the Crusaders when the Blues won their third, and last, Super title in 2003.
Sanzaar’s schedule makers have done us all a favour in their match to kick off the 2019 season: February 16, Blues v Crusaders at Eden Park.