KEY POINTS:
The Blues' campaign starts with their opening Super 14 pre-season match against the Reds in Whangarei on Wednesday, and with a new skipper at the helm.
Troy Flavell takes over from Keven Mealamu for the season, partly because the All Black hooker is one of 22 players on a reconditioning programme which removes them from the competition until round eight in late March.
Lock/loose forward Flavell, 30, who has recovered from shoulder surgery, has played 17 tests and returned to New Zealand rugby last year after a stint in Japan.
"He is passionate about the game," Blues coach David Nucifora said. "He has proved himself a natural leader within our squad and I am confident he will captain this team with maturity and commitment."
The Blues' second pre-season game is at Rotorua against the Chiefs on January 25 before their opening competition match, against the champion Crusaders at Eden Park on February 2.
