The Blues were the most successful team outside of the Crusaders during the Super 12 years, having won the title three times - including the first two years of the competition in 1996 and 1997. To say they have a proven track record would be an understatement.
They have lost a few key players, including inspirational captain Xavier Rush, and one would expect them to be a bit off key in 2006 - but don't be fooled.
In David Nucifora they have one of the most astute coaches and he will be keen to prove a point after the manner in which the Brumbies ditched him.
And there remains plenty of talent in the side.
The arrival of Troy Flavell from Japan will add some steel up front where they already have bruisers like John Afoa, Daniel Braid, Greg Rawlinson and Tony Woodcock.
Strengths: An established squad with a proven track record and a very effective playing pattern. 'Exciting' and 'brilliant' are just two of the words to describe them, but somehow it doesn't seem to do their often awesome performances justice.
Weakness: Still searching for those. Maybe, just maybe, their tendency to overdo the expansive game ... but only at times. No real weaknesses.
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. 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: tbc
Player(s) to watch: Top of this list has to be Troy Flavell, who is likely to relaunch his New Zealand career on the side of the Blues scrum rather than in the engine room. Another forward with something to prove is Greg Rawlinson, having turned down offers from Jake White to join the Springboks last year. He will no doubt make a big effort to make the All Black squad this year, having now qualified on residency.
2005 Position: 7th in the S12
Best finish: Super 12 champions in 1996, 1997, 2003
Worst finish: 11th (2000)
Home Venue: Eden Park, Auckland (Capacity: 50,000)
2006 Prediction: They will be in the play-offs and certainly one of the Crusaders' biggest threats.
Blues squad: John Afoa, Ben Atiga, Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Justin Collins, Steve Devine, Tim Dow, Troy Flavell, David Gibson, Kurtis Haiu, Doug Howlett, Tasesa Lavea, Angus Macdonald, Luke McAlister, Keven Mealamu, Isa Nacewa, Mike Noble, George Pisi, Greg Rawlinson, Joe Rokocoko, Saimone Taumoepeau, Rua Tipoki, Anthony Tuitavake, Vili Waqaseduadua, Brent Ward, Ali Williams, Nick Williams, Tony Woodcock.
Schedule:
Friday 10 February: v Hurricanes, Auckland
Friday 17 February: v Highlanders, Dunedin
Saturday 25 February: v Reds, Brisbane
Saturday, 4 March: v Crusaders, Christchurch
Saturday 11 March: Bye
Saturday 18 March: v Brumbies, Auckland
Friday 24 March: v Waratahs, Sydney
Friday 31 March: v Bulls, Auckland
Saturday 8 April: v Stormers, Auckland
Friday 14 April: v Force, Auckland
Saturday 23 April: v Sharks, Durban
Saturday 30 April: v Cheetahs, Bloemfontein
Saturday 7 May: v Cats, Johannesburg
Friday 13 May: v Chiefs, Auckland
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