The Blues have assembled a strong squad, but one with question marks still remaining around that crucial 9-10 axis.
Much will depend on how 2014 NZ Schools halfback and Taniwha rep Sam Nock makes the transition to Super Rugby. He has clear talent but his form was down playing in a winless Northland side. North Harbour captain Bryn Hall will need to up the ante, with Billy Guyton of Tasman providing back-up.
If first five Ihaia West continues his Hawke's Bay form, then he should be able to erase a difficult first half of 2015, when his confidence waned. Dan Bowden, who missed all of the ITM Cup with injury, will be keen to prove himself again, while Piers Francis was a solid performer for Counties Manukau but we await how he goes at the higher level.
A midfield of George Moala and Rene Ranger looks potentially threatening to all opposition defences, whilst Blues fans would love to see 2016 as the full flowering of the inconsistent wing Tevita Li. Rieko Ioane, like Nock, was signed while still at school, and found it tough to break into the Auckland backs, but he is a brilliant young 18-year-old with pace to burn. Matt Duffie makes the shift from league, while fullback Jordan Trainor returns home to where he was schooled at St Peter's College.
The pack will offer plenty of punch, with 20-year-old Akira Ioane expected to continue his powerhouse ITM Cup form. Blake Gibson, who endured an injury-hit ITM Cup, should shoulder most of the openside duties, while Steven Luatua returns from a long layoff. It was good to see Joe Edwards win a late call-up on the back of some sterling form for Auckland.
