Lesser known names must step up if the franchise is to fulfil its aim of winning the URC and Champions Cup this season.
The consensus was that Ireland would giddily deliver a performance reflective of their World Rugby number one ranking and stick it to Scott Robertson’s 'unconvincing' All Blacks.
Mental health is a hugely important issue in modern-day society, and the sport of rugby is no different.
The coach's resume had red flags, yet the franchise seemed set on appointing a man with Cantabrian connections at any price.
Louis Rees-Zammit's transition from rugby union to the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs - if successful - could have a significant downside for his former sport.
A young Chief could force his way into the national selection frame with more minutes under his belt.
Tighthead prop Fletcher Newell has succumbed to a foot injury suffered against the Chiefs and will miss the rest of the season.
The signature of Beauden Barrett may be imminent, but the Blues aren't waiting on his delayed arrival in Auckland to fix their vast array of problems.
Stories of an apparent Southern Hemisphere exodus northwards since the Rugby World Cup in 2015 have been the fodder of media outlets the length and breadth of the rugby world.