Super Rugby Pacific is back after a real return to form last year, with the competition kicking off in Dunedin on 13 February. As usual, each team has gone through an eventful off season, so today we're checking in on a team with plenty to prove, the Blues.
Read: Highlanders team preview
Read: Moana Pasifika preview
Overview
Blues coach Vern Cotter during a Blues training session. Super Rugby Pacific, Alexandra Park, Auckland, New Zealand. Tuesday 18 June 2024. © Photo credit: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Crashing back to earth is probably the nicest way of describing the Blues' title defence last year, as their dreams of establishing a dynasty were dashed after losing five of their first six games. They admirably battled back to sneak into the playoffs and beat the Chiefs in a thrilling encounter, before having their lights shut out by the eventual champion Crusaders.
The Good
Toulouse's Pita Ahki celebrates scoring a try with Antoine Dupont. Photo: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy, ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
As usual, the talent is there for the Blues at both ends of the spectrum. Veteran Pita Ahki comes in after winning some serious silverware for Toulon over the last seven seasons, while the likes of Cody Vai, Che Clark and Rico Simpson have massive potential.
There's also a bit to play for with Vern Cotter set to leave at the end of the season, the popular coach will certainly instil plenty of motivation before he's done.
The Bad
Rieko Ioane with Blues head coach Vern Cotter. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
The Blues have lost a fair bit of experience with Rieko Ioane spending the season in Ireland, while Harry Plummer and Mark Tele'a are gone for good in France and Japan. Beauden Barrett is not expected back till round four with All Black rest, Patrick Tuipulotu's injury means he leaves a very big hole till he's expected back in round nine.
Big boots to fill
Stephen Perofeta models the Blues' 2026 home jersey. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Stephen Perofeta comes into yet another season with big expectations, firstly because he'll have to cover for Barrett at 10 for the first part of the season. With Ioane and Plummer gone, Perofeta will need to be the main man and hopefully, for once, can stay injury free and make yet another claim for higher honours.
What makes Blues fans different
Blues fans hold up a cutout of Caleb Clarke. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Certainly more humble than this time last year, the Auckland faithful can take pride in the fact that they have a cool looking throwback jersey and a new CEO with some big ideas on how to fill Eden Park. However, there will be some serious feeling of letting a big chance slip, due to the Crusaders' inevitable return to form matching the Blues' slide last year.
Big games
The Blues have a pretty manageable start to the season, with trips to Perth and Canberra in weeks two and three. They host the Crusaders after that, before an interesting run of Moana, the Tahs and Drua. That should be targeted for maximum points, after which the Blues can look forward to a massive last three weeks where they play the Crusaders again, the Canes and Chiefs.
2026 Blues squad
Props: Ben Ake, Flyn Yates, Jordan Lay, Joshua Fusitu'a, Marcel Renata, Ofa Tu'ungafasi
Hookers: Bradley Slater, James Mullan, Kurt Eklund
Locks: Josh Beehre, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Tristyn Cook
Loose forwards: Anton Segner, Cameron Christie, Che Clark, Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Malachi Wrampling, Terrell Peita
Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki
First fives: Beauden Barrett, Rico Simpson, Stephen Perofeta
Midfield: AJ Lam, Corey Evans, James Cameron, Pita Ahki, Xavi Taele
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, Cody Vai, Cole Forbes, Kade Banks, Payton Spencer, Zarn Sullivan
Tomorrow: the Hurricanes
