Blues have talent aplenty but lack that passion

Anyone doubting the Blues' contribution to the Super 14 should take a look through the rest of the squads.

A fair old team could be assembled from those who have worn the uniform which was feared in the early years of Super 12 but has struggled for respect in latter seasons.

There would be a serious threat from a backline of Mils Muliaina, Rico Gear, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Sam Tuitupou, Caleb Ralph, Nick Evans and Kevin Senio.

Tack on forwards like Mose Tuiali'i, Sione Lauaki, Craig Newby, Bradley Mika, Deacon Manu, Nick White and the talent drain mounts up.

If it wasn't those names it would be others. The exodus is a consequence of the Blues region embracing three first-division unions. There is simply not enough room for all the players in one squad, not when the New Zealand Rugby Union restricts choices to 24.

Some are drafted, others choose to transfer because they see better career paths elsewhere and others have developed outside the Blues area.

When the Blues began life they had inherent advantages. Coach Graham Henry and his assistant Mac McCallion had detailed knowledge of the player pool and they were blessed with some extraordinary talent in Auckland.

They were then able to pluck the best - Jonah Lomu and Joeli Vidiri - from partners Counties Manukau. There were grizzles like the ill-treatment some thought George Leaupepe and Tony Marsh suffered in midfield selection but there could be no argument about the Blues' success.

When Henry went overseas, the Blues started their fascination with choosing coaches from outside the region - Jed Rowlands, Gordon Hunter, Frank Oliver, Peter Sloane and now David Nucifora.

Despite robust predictions the Blues have made the play-offs only once in the past seven years, when they also took the 2003 title - coincidentally a year when Henry was rehired as technical director and defence coach.

There was also a change of senior franchise partners for Auckland and the 2000 campaign when Harbour and Northland replaced Counties.

The coaches had strong credentials but it seemed some were hired because the NZRU needed them placed. There was scant evidence of a coaching succession plan, certainly not one for those who had worked with Auckland, Harbour or Northland.

The hired help did not have an intimate knowledge of the region, they needed guidance on players' merits, they were unfamiliar with the region's politics.

Provincial conflicts festered and there was a perception of Auckland bias. Murmurs persisted that marginal selections always favoured Auckland and therefore reduced their wages bill because the NZRU paid players for Super rugby.

A great deal of work has gone into repairing the provincial rifts, but with that has come a viewpoint that some selections now reflect political over-correctness.

Whatever the arguments, the debate will continue about meshing three disparate unions. Harbour split from Auckland and despite the public protests from officials, there is a healthy rancour between the provinces.

Mixing those players for the Super 14 brings together a lot of talent but it does not bring the passion, intensity and trust which fires and binds each in the NPC.