Who will wear the Blues number 10 jersey?

After a 2011 season that saw Stephen Brett and Luke McAlister share the duties at first five-eighth, the Blues will hope that their young playmakers stamp their claim on the now vacant jersey to ensure the ever dangerous three-time champions can unleash their sparkling attack.

There was greater tactical awareness on display by the Blues last year, but the consistency of a varied game plan was compromised at times as coach Pat Lam tried a ‘horses for courses’ approach – playing Brett or McAlister based on not only form, but the opposition.

With both players now off-shore, Michael Hobbs and Gareth Anscombe will have first opportunity to make an early statement.

Michael represented both New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Under 19s during his younger years, before the son of former All Blacks captain Jock seriously injured his back, and he will look forward to a full season having spent time recovering in the United States.

Anscombe, who has impressed of late with command performances playing for the Baby Blacks, will see if he can break what is something of a traditional ’first year Blues’ (pardon the pun) suffered by leading Under 20 players when playing their first full Super Rugby season.

So far Lam has indicated there will be a departure from selecting teams based on conditions, saying that the traditional selection of the strongest team – barring injuries or player management – will be a feature for the Blues in 2012.

Adding to the first five mix is World Cup winner Piri Weepu, who could play at ten with plenty of experience there for his former team the Hurricanes, with the tenacious scrumhalf also likely to pressure Alby Mathewson in determining the team’s front line nine.

The Blues pre-season matches will be against the Hurricanes, Rebels and Highlanders.

They then open their campaign with a blockbuster clash against the Crusaders at Eden Park before heading to the Republic for a two-match tour.

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