The return of All Blacks Rieko Ioane and Stephen Perofeta headlines a star-studded Blues side to take on the Crusaders.
We knew he was good, but this season Ruben Love has performed at a new level in 2024. The dynamic fullback burst onto the scene and filled a team need at first five-eighth for the Hurricanes in 2021.
All Blacks Rieko Ioane, Finlay Christie, Mark Tele’a and Dalton Papali’i will see the field for the first time this pre-season when the Blues take on the Chiefs in Takapuna.
All Blacks flanker Dalton Papali’i will step back into the role of captain at the Blues in the absence of injured lock Patrick Tuipulotu.
Suddenly Taranaki had more room and variety to attack. Meihana Grindley thrived with his hard running, regular offloads, and solid tackling earning him a Super Rugby contract with the Blues.
The Blues have joined the Chiefs in bringing their full contingent of international stars to Japan for two preseason fixtures against the best League One sides.
The Blues are without the services of some experienced campaigners in 2024, but a new coaching group led by Vern Cotter looks to set the team in a new direction with new leaders.
The unveiling of the squads for the upcoming Super Rugby Aotearoa Under 20s competition has highlighted that the Blues still struggle to retain their young talent - while the Crusaders keep on recruiting.
The bye week has come at the perfect time, as far as two of the Blues' most promising young stars will be concerned.