Rugby: Blues boast IRB's pick of best All Blacks

Ma'a Nonu will play for the Blues in 2012. Photo / Getty Images

The Blues have stacked their Super 15 squad with wings and props, included five new players and reclaimed Rudi Wulf and Michael Hobbs from previous campaigns.

Five-eighths Piri Weepu and Gareth Anscombe, midfield back Ma'a Nonu, wings George Moala and David Raikuna, lock Liaki Moli and prop Angus Ta'avao have yet to play for the Blues although Moli was picked last year before damaging his shoulder.

Coach Pat Lam goes into his fourth campaign with Keven Mealamu as his captain again and has settled on a number of versatile players in a squad of 17 forwards and 13 backs.

Weepu will be considered for halfback or five-eighths while Nonu could see action at second five-eighths or centre, depending on injuries and the opposition.

"We are looking forward to seeing the best from players such as Liaki Moli and Brad Mika who suffered horrific injuries last year which ruled them out of the season," Lam said. "There's no doubt our squad is pretty special - to have in our side the three All Blacks [Jerome Kaino, Ma'a Nonu, Piri Weepu] nominated for the 2011 IRB Player of the Year is not a bad way to start the campaign."

Those missing from last year are Jared Payne, Joe Rokocoko, Aaron Bancroft, Winston Stanley, Luke McAlister, Stephen Brett, Chris Smylie, Toby Morland, Mat Luamanu, Sean Polwart, Kurtis Haiu, James King, John Afoa and Ash Dixon.

The 27-year-old Wulf returns after a season with Toulon in search of adding to his 46 Blues appearances and four All Black caps.

"I thought coming from Super rugby into Top 14, it was not the same level. The speed of the game there was not as quick," he said.

Wulf played on the wing and at fullback for Toulon, choices he would like to offer the Blues as well.

"I watched the Blues on television over there and sometimes wished I had been back playing in that group this year," he said. "I went over there when I missed out on Tri-Nations selection last year. I wasn't in the frame so it was time to give Toulon a shot."