GREGOR PAUL: There was rising optimism about the track the Blues were following under coach Tana Umaga and then thoughts of the bad old days have resurfaced.

Herald rugby writer Patrick McKendry tackled your questions after Tana Umaga shocked with his Blues selection.

The dust has only just settled on the Blues' win over the Highlanders but Tana Umaga is in tinkering mode already.

Determination and patience are qualities Blues coach Tana Umaga liked most about his side's opening Super rugby victory.

Everyone would have settled for a decent performance from the Blues on opening night - but they gave more than anyone expected, writes Gregor Paul.

Live updates of the Blues taking on the Highlanders in the Super Rugby opener for 2016.

The Blues today received possession of team T-shirts inspired by television's Sons of Anarchy.

Blues captain Jerome Kaino will miss his team's first match of the season after being given a one-week's ban for his punch on Chiefs prop Pauliasi Manu.

Steven Luatua could easily become the forgotten man at the Blues but it's not something about which he needs reminding.

Jerome Kaino could miss the Blues' opening Super Rugby match after he was sent off for punching.

Chris Rattue lists the key questions surrounding the five New Zealand Super Rugby franchises ahead of the upcoming season.

Two of the hottest sevens prospects in the world after their exploits in Wellington and Sydney recently, will re-join the Blues tomorrow.

It's probably the heat playing tricks but it's possible the Blues aren't going to be their typical catastrophic selves.

Few have been greeting pre-season with more excitement than Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu.

There is genuine excitement at Blues HQ. There is laughter in the ranks.

It's nearly seven months after Tana Umaga was announced as new coach of the Blues and he is sitting in a cafe at Alexandra Park Raceway in Auckland's Greenlane.

New coach Tana Umaga has endorsed Ihaia West as the man to play the pivotal first five position for the Blues.

The Blues have assembled a strong squad, but one with question marks still remaining around that crucial 9-10 axis.