Former All Blacks captain TAINE RANDELL, writing on stuff.co.nz, says the Blues are under the most pressure in this year's New Zealand Super Rugby conference.
This is because 'they have recruited aggressively' and brought in big names such as All Blacks Jerome Kaino, Ma'a Nonu, Tony Woodcock and Tom Donnelly, along with league convert Benji Marshall.
Randell is not sure if these additions will result in improved performances from a side that finished 10th last year.
'History has shown that some of the All Blacks are traditionally slow starters,' he wrote. 'Woodcock is a bit of a case in point there and we all know that Nonu has a history of proving to be a detraction rather than an attraction.'
Randell also thinks Marshall could struggle at flyhalf.
'No 10 was the position the Blues needed to bolster most and bringing in a league player is a huge gamble in the most complex position on the field. History suggests Marshall will struggle and the Blues will consequently struggle with him.'
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