KEY POINTS:
The Blues need to revive their reputation while a raw Crusaders side would be content to preserve the authority of their predecessors tonight at Eden Park.
It has been 18 matches since the Crusaders lost a Super game in New Zealand, in 2004, and a year longer since the Blues won their last championship. They have spluttered since while the Crusaders have thrived.
The divide is much more blurred though for this opening match of the Super 14.
Both sides are shorn of World Cup candidates, who are undergoing conditioning work, but, on paper, the Blues have been able to find more capable replacements than the defending title holders.
The Blues have an entire pack who have worn the national jersey while only two of the Crusaders pack have that distinction.
It should give the Blues an advantage but they have been too erratic in the last few seasons for it to be a cast-iron clue about the outcome of this match.
If new skipper Troy Flavell's attitude translates into concerted action from the pack the Blues should shake the unproven visitors.
Anxiety will accompany them with loosehead prop Ben Franks in just his second start and blindside flanker Kieran Read only familiar with the outer oval at Eden Park, where he played age-group cricket.
The longer the Crusaders pack can stay in the game, their self-belief will grow.
First five-eighths Stephen Brett has just 10 minutes of Super rugby experience though he is a regular in his position, while the Blues are gambling that the running game of utility back Isa Nacewa will ignite their backline.
If conditions demand a concerted kicking approach or this match turns on goalkicking, Nacewa will be tested.
The Blues suffered last year from uncertainty with decisions at No 8, halfback and first five-eighths. They have changed direction this year and gambled on Nacewa and David Gibson, who has resumed his halfback career after several neck surgeries.
Those selections suggest coach David Nucifora wants his side to be more expansive than they were last year.
Sam Tuitupou is back in midfield after a season down the motorway and Isaia Toeava is picked at centre after a year with the Hurricanes. But their ability to test the defensive combination of Casey Laulala and Caleb Ralph will depend on the quality of possession the pack can deliver.
