Super Rugby Preview: Blues

The Blues

The Blues head into Super Rugby 2017 after finishing bottom of the New Zealand Super Rugby conference in 2016. Coached by All Black legend Tana Umaga, The Blues, will be hoping that Sonny Bill Williams will add experience and a winning mentality, while Jerome Kaino, Steven Luatua and Charlie Faumuina will add the necessary grunt up front.

The Blues kick their 2017 campaign off against the Rebels in Australia on the 23 February.

Head Coach: Tana Umaga

Notable departures: Ben Lam (Hurricanes), Tevita Li (Highlanders)

Notable additions: Sonny Bill Williams (Chiefs), Augustine Pulu (Chiefs)

Captain: Jerome Kaino

Forward to watch: Steven Luatua

Back to watch: Sonny Bill Williams

Rising Star: Rieko Ioane