The Blues host the Chiefs tonight in a rematch of last year’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific final in Auckland where the Blues walloped the Chiefs 41-10.
Blues Head Coach Vern Cotter says there is no credit for winning last year, as they start with zero points like everyone else.
His side heads into the new season as favourites to regain their title, although he seems to have put that success behind him in his own blunt style.
Cotter says to be perfectly honest, he cannot remember that they won it.
He says that is the best way to be, to go back out and win this competition that is in front of them.
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan says the Blues are a quality side with multiple threats, and if anything, look stronger on paper than they did in 2024 which will make them an incredibly tough team to crack.
McMillan says they are looking forward to the challenge and trust the work they have put in during pre-season has set them up well for the game this week and the season ahead.
Harry Plummer earned an All Blacks call-up, winning one cap off the bench after leading the Blues to victory last year.
He is departing for French rugby at the end of the season but has been trusted again to lead the team, with the returning Beauden Barrett at fullback.
McMillan has opted to use Damian McKenzie at fullback and start Josh Jacomb at first five-eighth.
The Chiefs have the better record in contests against the Blues since Super Rugby began in 1996.
In 42 meetings, they have 23 wins to the Blues’ tally of 18, with one draw.
The Blues play the Chiefs at 6.05pm.
In other games, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua host the Brumbies at 3.35pm, the Force meet Moana Pasifika at 8.35pm.
Source: Stuff.co
