The Blues have a point to prove when they host the Highlanders in their opening clash of the 2016 Super Rugby season at Eden Park tonight.
New coach Tana Umaga has been saying all the right things and will be eager to make Eden Park the fortress it once was in Super Rugby's early days.
The three‑time champions have appointed Jerome Kaino to lead a relatively young and inexperienced side who are keen to make up for the 13 losses last year.
Meanwhile, the Highlanders have retained many of the superstars that led them to their maiden Super Rugby title last season. Finishers Waisake Naholo and Patrick Osbourne are still well in the mix, as are All Blacks half‑back pairing Lima Sopoaga and Aaron Smith.
A win at Eden Park would be their fifth straight win, their best run since they won six in a row in 2005.
The Blues meet the Highlanders at 6.35 tonight.
