WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR OUR REGIONS IN THE PRO12 SEASON?
HOW WILL THEY FARE THIS SEASON?
Given some of the people they have brought in – No.8 Nick Williams and centre Willis Halaholo in particular – you have to expect them to do better than last season.
Even though a late improvement buoyed them, the 2015-16 campaign has to go down as a disappointment.
Yet Danny Wilson is beginning to bed down his philosophy and he has a stronger roster at his disposal.
There will be plenty tipping the Blues to finish as the top Welsh region.
WHAT SHOULD BE THEIR STRENGTH?
With the burly Williams on board and Sam Warburton, Ellis Jenkins, Josh Navidi and Josh Turnbull in harness as well, the Blues have real class, power and experience at loose forward.
They shouldn’t be bowing to any side in this department.
WHAT COULD BE THEIR WEAKNESS?
They look a bit light at second row even with the recruitment of George Earle. In fact, there are probably still doubts about their front five as a unit.
The Blues need Aussie international Salesi Ma’afu to really come through at tighthead and for Rhys Gill to make an impact after moving from Wasps.
WHO COULD BE THEIR KEY PLAYER?
This is the season Gareth Anscombe must show that he’s over here to become a true star.
He showed glimpses in the second half of last season, but then sank without trace on tour in New Zealand.
Anscombe needs to boss it at fly-half with consistent excellence, and then see where that takes him Wales-wise. They’ve gone to a high-end department store and found some designer gear lurking on the back shelves.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH IN LEAGUE?
Fourth. Frankly, with their squad it will be criminal if they miss out on the play-offs again.
INS AND OUTS
Players In: Nick Williams (Ulster, right), Matthew Morgan (Bristol), Willis Halaholo (Hurricanes), Rhys Gill (Saracens), Steven Shingler (Scarlets), Kirby Myhill (Scarlets), George Earle (Scarlets), Rhun Williams (RGC 1404). Players Out: Rhys Patchell (Scarlets, Sam Hobbs (Dragons), Craig Mitchell (Dragons), Chris Dicomidis (Pontypridd), Tom Williams (Scarlets), Miles Normandale (Rotherham), Harry Davies (Bath), Manoa Vosawai (RC Vannes), Lou Reed (Sale), Richard Smith (Scarlets), Tom Isaacs (Hong Kong Football Club), Tom Davies (Dragons), Gavin Evans (Neath), Gareth Davies (Merthyr), Elis Wyn Benham (released)