So much weaponry and yet no proven commander at the helm of the Blues.

Michael Collins has a sense of timing off the field as well.

Co-captains James Parsons and Jerome Kaino return.

Blues' Steven Luatua, hit with a four-week ban, will likely take his punishment with good grace.

COMMENT: There's been a lot of talk about how the Blues will perform this year and they can have a good season.

The Highlanders will face the Blues at Eden Park this week needing a win to kick-start their season.

Steven Luatua could be facing more time out of the game after being shown a red card against the Chiefs.

A Steven Luatua red card consigned the Blues to defeat in Hamilton.

All the action from the Super Rugby Kiwi derby between the Chiefs and Blues.

Another convincing performance from Rieko Ioane in the No13 jersey against the Chiefs could keep his two midfield rivals on the bench

Tana Umaga has repaid his starting XV by retaining them for the crunch New Zealand derby match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.

It's early days, but it's not difficult to foresee a few more of those performances from the Blues this season.

Burdening a youngster with expectation is always a dangerous game but it's not easy to hold back when it comes to Rieko Ioane.

Comeback is going to make it even harder for all five NZ sides to get ahead of rivals.

Don't get carried away, but the Blues looked brilliant as they thumped the Rebels, 56-18.

All the action from the Super Rugby opener between the Blues and Rebels.

It's time to throw out a few reasons why the Blues and Warriors will have amazing years, writes Chris Rattue.

In trying to rid the Blues of their serial under-achievers' tag, coach Tana Umaga's best signing might turn out to be Augustine Pulu.

Blues coach Tana Umaga has named All Black Rieko Ioane at centre but has kept George Moala and Rene Ranger on the reserves bench for

Former Blues coach Pat Lam has hit out at Steve Hansen after the All Blacks coach branded him an "ex-New Zealander".

Steven Luatua has no regrets about signing with Bristol, saying securing his family's financial future was paramount.

Steven Luatua's decision to quit New Zealand rugby for Bristol is a big blow for the Blues, writes Chris Rattue.

Patrick Tuipulotu received cheers and applause from his teammates when he entered the Blues' headquarters this morning.

All Black and Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu has talked about being the relief of being cleared of a positive drugs test.

The head of Drug Free Sport New Zealand says there is no question about All Black Patrick Tuipulotu's integrity.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says it's "wonderful news" to hear Patrick Tuipulotu has been cleared of his doping charge. The lock

The doping charge against Patrick Tuipulotu has been dropped after his B-Sample tested negative for banned substances.

Injured All Blacks hooker James Parsons hopes to begin his Super Rugby season a month into the Blues campaign.

All Blacks wing Nehe Milner-Skudder has marked another milestone in his comeback from a serious shoulder injury.

Tana Umaga will meet the All Blacks coaches tomorrow to discuss the early-season plan for his top players.