BLUES

Tuesday 30th January 2007

The Blues have become the New Zealand version of the Stormers over the past three years, with all the names and no results.

Their squad hasn't changed too much since the 2006 season, the most noteworthy addition being U21 winger James Somerset, who scored 12 tries in 10 matches at the World Championships last year.

Five of their first seven games are at home this year, so that should see them in good stead over the first half of the competition, and they'll be hoping to shake off the "bad travelers" tag they earned through some poor performances away from Eden park last year.

The Blues represent the three provincial unions in the top portion of New Zealand 's North Island : the Auckland, North Harbour and Northland unions.

Strengths: They always have an abundance of talent and when they get going they play a really exciting, all-action brand of rugby.

Weakness: Their inability to always live up to their pre-season promises. The absence of a number of their All Blacks could also count against them in the first half of the season. A lack of discipline also cost them dearly at stages last year.

Noteworthy signings: David Holwell (from the Hurricanes), Sam Tuitupou (from the Chiefs).

Noteworthy losses: They will be without All Blacks Keven Mealamu, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock (North Harbour) and Joe Rokocoko for the first eight weeks of the tournament.

Coach: David Nucifora. The former Brumbies coach, kicked out after winning the tournament with the Canberra side in 2004, was the Blues' technical advisor in 2005. In 2006 he replaced Peter Sloane, who stepped down at the end of the 2005 season after four years in charge. Nucifora, 43, was head coach for the ACT Brumbies from 2002-2004 and guided them to the Super 12 title in 2004.

Captain: Troy Flavell. He was appointed captain because Keven Mealamu, who lead the side last year, is one of the conditioning All Blacks who won't be available for the first eight weeks of the competition. However, Flavell's reputation as one of the bad boys - as his past suspensions and numerous yellow and reds cards can attest to - is the one major question hanging over his ability to lead the team to success. Discipline is always a key and the question remain, can Flavell avoid getting involved in off-the-ball stuff.

Player to watch: Jerome Kaino burst onto the scene in 2004 and was man of the match on debut for the All Blacks against the Barbarians that year. However, injuries had slowed down his progress and he missed the entire 2006 Super 14 season through injury. If he stays fit Kaino's explosiveness and athleticism could make him a key member of the Blues pack.

2006 Position: 8th
Best finish: Super 12 champions in 1996, 1997, 2003
Worst finish: 11th (2000)
Home Venues: Eden Park, Auckland (Capacity: 50,000), North Harbour Stadium, Albany (Capacity: 25,000)

2007 Prediction: They'll be disappointing again, especially without some key All Blacks. 10th

Blues squad: John Afoa, Ben Atiga, Sam Biddles, Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Justin Collins, Steve Devine, Troy Flavell, David Gibson, Chris Heard, David Holwell, Doug Howlett, Jerome Kaino, Luke McAlister, Angus MacDonald, Keven Mealamu, Isakeli Nacewa, George Pisi, Greg Rawlinson, Joe Rokocoko, James Somerset, Saimone Taumoepeau, Isaia Toeava, Onosai Tololima-Auva'a, Anthony Tuitavake, Sam Tuitupou, Nick White, Ali Williams, Nick Williams, Derren Witcombe, Tony Woodcock, Rudi Wulf.

Schedule:

2 February: v Crusaders, home
10 February: v Brumbies, away
17 February: v Hurricanes, away
24 February: v Reds, home
2 March: v Highlanders, home
10 March: v Lions, home
17 March BYE
23 March: v Waratahs, home
31 March: v Chiefs, away
6 April: v Cheetahs, home
14 April: v Sharks, home
21 April: v Stormers, away
27 April: v Bulls, away
5 May: v Western Force, away

By James White