Rugby pundits in New Zealand have revealed that Shop n Save Super Rugby Pacific 2024 Champions, the Auckland Blues have a relatively safe bet to defend the title once again this year with the majority of the key players retained for the new season.
Blues Head Coach Vern Cotter says he is expecting his side to make a point and fight to defend the title.
Cotter says they are ramping up their on-field training sessions.
He says it is good to have All Black utility back Beauden Barrett, in the squad after his sabbatical in Japan, because he could pump extra life into the Blues attack.
Cotter says he will ensure complacency should not creep into the mindset of the players this season.
The Blues play the Chiefs in their opening match in Eden Park on 15th February at 6.05pm.
