After such a promising start to the 2007 season, setting the pace for most of the round-robin stages, the wheels fell off for the Blues when the heat came on. Many speculate over the internal politics going on between senior players and David Nucifora, but at the end of the day, they still failed to deal with the matter at hand, rugby.

The Blues, like the other NZ franchises were without their All Blacks for the early rounds, and it was the re-introduction of them to the squad that appeared to affect the Blues; Ali Williams and Joe Rokocoko unable to secure spots and Kevin Mealamu rotated. Then came the much publicised fallout with Ali Williams, leading to him leaving the Blues and heading for the land of the Crusader!

2008 sees the loss of a number of senior player for a variety of reasons; David Gibson, Steve Devine, Derren Witcombe, Ali Williams, Greg Rawlinson, Sam Tuitopou and Doug Howlett, the loss of this kind of experience will be telling, and how the Blues deal with these losses may well determine their fate in 2008.

While the losses will hurt, the Blues still retain some vastly experienced campaigners in Justin Collins, Kevin Mealamu, Troy Flavell, Danny Lee, Isa Nacewa, Nick White and Tony Woodcock to form the core of the squad, and their affect on the new players around them will be key in any success the Blues are to have.

Probably the biggest signing for the Blues is that of Nick Evans, who has moved north for all forms of his rugby. While Isa Nacewa was a very capable 10, Evans will undoubtedly provide another spark to an already exciting looking back division, along with a prodigious punt and a very astute rugby brain.

Players to watch;
Nick Evans - an exceptional talent, within a side with the attacking approach of the Blues may finally emerge from the shadow of Dan Carter
Danny Lee - hugely experienced, a vital component in the Hawke's Bay fortunes last season. A very cunning competitor who will add pace to an already rapid backline.
Isaia Toeava - on the back of a huge S14 in 2007, a probable move in 1 position and a chance to push for higher honours in it, the talent of Toeava is about to be realised.
Troy Flavell - the new laws will suit the hugely athletic Blues Captain, a full season of his explosive play might also see him push for further honours again
Jerome Kaino - like Toeava, this man has been earmarked for big things for many a year, has struggled with injury in the past. If he can remain injury free and retain a starting spot, he will be one of the Blues best in 2008.

Blues 2008; John Afoa (Auckland), Ben Atiga (Auckland), Anthony Boric (North Harbour), Daniel Braid (Auckland), Justin Collins (Northland), Bryn Evans (Hawke’s Bay),
Nick Evans (Auckland), Troy Flavell - Captain (Auckland), Jamie Helleur (Auckland), Kurtis Haiu (Auckland), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Tom McCartney (Auckland), Danny Lee (Hawke’s Bay),
Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Taniela Moa (Auckland), Bronson Murray (Northland), Isa Nacewa (Auckland), George Pisi (North Harbour), Josevata Rokocoko (Auckland), David Smith (Auckland),
Benson Stanley (Auckland), lsaia Toeava (Auckland), Onosa’i Tololima-Auva’a (Auckland), Anthony Tuitavake (North Harbour), Nick White (Auckland), Nick Williams (North Harbour),
Tony Woodcock (North Harbour), Rudi Wulf (North Harbour).

IN: Bryn Evans, Jamie Helleur, Kurtis Haiu, Tom McCartney, Danny Lee, Taniela Moa, Bronson Murray, David Smith, Benson Stanley, Nick Evans.

OUT: Saimone Taumoepeau, Luke McAlister, David Gibson, Steve Devine, Derren Witcombe, All Williams, Greg Rawlinson, Sam Tuitupou, Sam BiddIes, Chris Heard, Doug Howlett, David Holwell, Angus MacDonald, James Somerset.

Blues draw (Blues historical results are listed according to where the fixture is in 2008)

Blues v Chiefs          WWLWLL
Lions v Blues            WLWWL
Cheetahs v Blues      W
Sharks v Blues          LWLWLL
Blues v Force           W
Blues v Stormers      WLWLW
Blues v Bulls             WWWWW
Waratahs v Blues     WWLWLL
Blues v Brumbies      WLLWWW (exc a Final & Semi)
Bye
Crusaders v Blues     WWLLWL
Reds v Blues             LLLLLW
Highlanders v Blues   WLLLWL
Blues v Hurricanes     WWWWLL

So to the Blues chances for 2008? They will need to get past the Chiefs who have had the wood on them in the past 2 seasons at home if they are to head to the republic in the right frame of mind. They should win at least 1/3 in the Republic, maybe 2, 3 might be a stretch.

A trip home should secure a win against the Force before facing more big SA sides at home, which they should win at least 1 of, to be sitting at 4/6; min of 16 points, likely 19.

Off to visit the Tahs who also have had the better of the Blues recently at home, the Blues should still pick up a couple of points before heading home to get 4 more against the Brumbies, leaving them on about 22-25 as they go into their Bye.

A visit to Christchurch could well be pivotal to their end position, picking up at least 1 point  here will be vital!

The Blues traditionally struggle in Queensland, will 2008 be any different? I doubt it, another bonus on the horizon before heading to another unhappy hunting ground, the House of Pain, the Blues season will either be slipping away here or they will be consolidating their position atop the log. They finish with a visit form the Hurricanes who have picked them off at home the last 2 visits, this year will be different.

From my basic picks, the Blues will finish with 29-32 points, although if they get past the Crusaders, they could well pick off the Reds and the Highlanders to get another 9 or 10 points and finish on 38-42.

A top 4 finish is well within the reach of the Blues, question is whether Nucifora and Cooper can fashion together a formidable unit to start winning games that matter.