As the countdown to the kickoff for Super Rugby Pacific 2024 on February 23 gathers momentum, the Herald has examined the talking points for each team ahead of their new campaign. Today, we look at the Blues ahead of their first season under the guidance of Vern Cotter.
Why Blues fans should be optimistic:
A new year sparks fresh hope that the Blues are ready to take the next step - instead of faltering when it matters most. From a squad perspective, there’s every reason to believe they are capable of claiming the title. On the whole, the squad is largely settled and stacked. With 11 past or present All Blacks, there are no excuses for underperformance. Middle-tier prospects such as lock Sam Darry, flanker Anton Segner, lock/loose forward Cameron Suafoa, versatile playmaker Zarn Sullivan, and wing A.J. Lam are primed to assume more responsibility, too. Akira Ioane and Hoskins Sotutu have points to prove after being dropped from the All Blacks last year - the latter is said to be in supreme shape. And the classy Stephen Perofeta will relish the chance to run the cutter. The Blues boast depth and, on paper at least, appear well-balanced. It’s time they seize that potential - and not just in frustrating fits and starts.
Why Blues fans should be worried
Leon MacDonald’s five-year tenure significantly improved the Blues. MacDonald charted success in the form of the breakthrough transtasman title, the Blues’ first silverware in 18 years, but one of the lingering frustrations was the team’s collapse in their last two finals series. In 2022 the Blues were odds-on to clinch the crown at Eden Park after fashioning a 15-match unbeaten run, only to crumble in the final to the Crusaders. Last season, the Blues saved their worst for last in a horribly one-sided semifinal defeat - yet again to the depleted Crusaders in Christchurch. With much of the same squad returning for another crack, the Blues must drill down to solve those seemingly inherent finals issues. Patrick Tuipulotu’s broken jaw that sidelines him for the first five weeks also leaves the Blues light at lock.