All Black front-rowers Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu will sit out the Blues' opening match of the season against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Benji, alone, will not be the side's saviour but if the team sparks and his talent begins to flow, the Blues will be an awkward opponent, writes Wynne Gray

When Baden Kerr prepares for a game he knows there is every chance it will end in pain. As a migraine sufferer, the slightest head knock can lead to symptoms.

Amid the hype of Benji Marshall's impending return to Sydney - this time as a rugby player - the man himself appears to have his feet firmly on the ground.

John Kirwan hasn't been slow to usher in his unique fashion sense, cultivated during a former role as coach of Italy, to the Blues.

Benji Marshall will return to the rugby league stronghold of Sydney for the continuation of his rugby union education with some confidence after a 40-minute hit-out against the Hurricanes at Masterton.

John Kirwan says Ma'a Nonu has been a joy to deal with. The player himself has added that he's "pretty motivated" following his return to the Blues.

Ma'a Nonu's return to the Blues after his disastrous season at the Highlanders is likely to be delayed by ankle surgery.

Former All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino, about to return home after two years in Japan, says wearing the black jersey again was the main reason for signing with the Blues.

Piri Weepu is easing his way into the new season following knee surgery

Blues assistant coach Graham Henry says Benji Marshall's fitness work is paying off after the former league international turned up for training out of condition in November.

Early fascination about the Blues' second season under John Kirwan's command will be the ideas about Charles Piutau and Benji Marshall, writes Wynne Gray.

Competition for pivotal Blues' No10 jersey as Noakes overcomes potential career threatening injury.

Keven Mealamu is the third All Black to play more than 100 games for the national side.

Ben Lama counts himself as a Blues fanatic - with the proof being his frequent trips to the side's games in Hamilton, Blues jersey and facepaint proudly on display.

Benji Marshall talks to Radio Sport's Mark Richardson about switching codes, moving to New Zealand and where he'd like to start with the Blues.

Top sportsmen like Benji Marshall harness their emotion to power their performance.

Benji Marshall has spoken of his nervousness as swapping league for rugby union at the Blues' Super Rugby squad announcement this morning.

When the Blues did their research on Benji Marshall, they were sure they had their man.

Ma'a Nonu has broken months of silence about his playing future, revealing he had begun to doubt his ability and saying, "I just have to be a better guy."