BLUES BELIEVE THEY CAN WIN

BACK IN THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

The Blues at last won some silverware, taking out the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman title. Their prospects for success look just as good in 2022.

LAST YEAR: SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA: THIRD SUPER RUGBY TRANS-TASMAN: FIRST Leon MacDonald’s team flattered to deceive in finishing third in the opening Super Rugby Aotearoa competition but found their groove in the second half of the campaign. They went unbeaten through to the Trans-Tasman final, beating the Highlanders 23–15 at Eden Park. LUCK OF THE DRAW: The opening match should be a ripper with the Blues travelling across town to take on Moana Pasifika at Mt Smart Stadium. The Hurricanes, Chiefs and Highlanders follow at home before a trip to Christchurch to take on the Crusaders. CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: In recent years, the team’s performances on the park have not matched their undoubted talent. But that all changed last year with the Blues winning the inaugural Super Rugby Trans-Tasman title after a pulsating final against the plucky Highlanders. Head coach Leon MacDonald has assembled a powerful squad that on paper looks the early season favourites. There are 11 All Blacks in the squad, featuring some impressive front-row depth and an All Blacks loose forward trio of Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii and Hoskins Sotutu. Lock Luke Romano was a surprising recruit among the young tyros in the squad but the 136-game veteran from the Crusaders may well be just what the Blues need with Patrick Tuipulotu playing in Japan. The backs should enjoy quality, front-foot ball from the impressive pack so scoring tries will not be a problem. The backline is sparked by All Blacks halfback Finlay Christie, who had a career-defining season last year, with Beauden Barrett and Rieko Ioane set to star alongside talented ball runners including Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam, Bryce Heem, and the much improved Zarn Sullivan. The eagerly anticipated debut of former rugby league superstar Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will excite fans and the wider rugby public. The former Otahuhu College First XV and New Zealand Schools rep looks set to start from second-five as his preferred position. MacDonald is determined to keep pushing for more silverware. “The team have improved each of the last three years and while we are very proud of that trophy sitting in our cabinet, it marks the end of the beginning for this group,” he says. “Our key learning is that if we put in the mahi every week, every day and every session, and we do our homework and prepare well, then we can get the rewards. We can take real confidence from the Trans-Tasman title, but at the same time we realise this is a new competition and we all start on zero points. “I am confident we have a team with a good mix of internationals and young guys. Titles aren’t the target every week – they are a consequence of us striving to improve in every aspect of our game and producing a level of rugby that we are proud of. “It is going to be a hell of a ride.” WHO’S NEW: Forwards: Jordan Lay (Auckland), Ricky Riccitelli (Hurricanes), Luke Romano (Crusaders), James Tucker (Brumbies), Tamati Tua (Northland), Cameron Suafoa (North Harbour), Adrian Choat (Auckland), Anton Segner (Tasman). Backs: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors), Beauden Barrett (Japan), Taufa Funaki (Auckland), Corey Evans (Auckland). WHO’S THROUGH: Forwards: Blake Gibson (Hurricanes), Gerard Cowley-Tuioti (Japan), Patrick Tuipulotu (Japan), Jacob Pierce (Japan), Ray Nuia (Moana Pasifika), Luteru Tolai (Moana Pasifika), Dillon Hunt (retired). Backs: Jonathan Ruru (France), Emoni Narawa (Chiefs), Otere Black (Japan), TJ Faiane (Japan).

WORLD CLASS: Rieko Ioane was a standout for the Blues in 2021.

BLUES

Coach: Leon MacDonald Captain: TBC

Blues Home grounds:

Eden Park, Auckland; QBE Stadium, Albany; Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei Website: www.theblues.rugby Tickets: www.ticketmaster.co.nz Contact: PO Box 77012, Mt Albert, Auckland 1350. Phone 09 846 5425 Email: info@blues.rugby Blues TAB odds: $4.00

INSPIRING: Dalton Papalii in action for the Blues.

BLUES SQUAD

FORWARDS: Kurt Eklund, Soane Vikena, Ricky Riccitelli, Alex Hodgman, Jordan Lay, Ofa Tuungafasi, Marcel Renata, Nepo Laulala, Karl Tu’inukuafe, James Tucker, Josh Goodhue, Sam Darry, Luke Romano, Taine Plumtree, Tom Robinson, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat. BACKS: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki, Beauden Barrett, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tanielu Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, Corey Evans, Tamati Tua, Mark Telea, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Zarn Sullivan.