THREE KEY MEN

JAMES PARSONS

Parsons is out on his own as the best hooker at the Blues because of his near constant development.

The former Blues skipper featured in plenty of highlights packages for his North Harbour team last year – most notably an extraordinary behind-theback assist for Matt Du e’s try – and has worked hard on his speed over the past few years.

He is also a big leader in the pack.

RIEKO IOANE

There are no better finishers than Ioane in Super Rugby and the Blues look a far weaker team when he isn’t playing.

Hopefully for his sake he won’t have to try to do so much on his own this year.

BLAKE GIBSON

Flanker Gibson had a terrible run of injuries last year but has an increased responsibility this year after being appointed co-captain with Patrick Tuipulotu and is one of the best No 7s in the competition.

He is set for a big season and should thrive under new forwards coach Coventry.