The Blues are looking down the barrel of an interesting start to the Super Rugby season. 

They were the 2024 Champions, but a rough season saw them slip down the ranks, before they were felled by the Crusaders in the semi-finals. 

Now they’re having to replace several key players ahead of their season kicking off next Saturday with a clash against the Chiefs. 

Assistant Coach Jason O’Halloran told Piney that you don’t replace someone like Reiko Ioane overnight, but they have good cover and are comfortable with their ranks. 

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