Inevitably concerns have been aired about the concentration of talent in two teams. But the situation has come about as a result of the market being a true meritocracy. There are no cash incentives in the current contracting model - which means money can't be used to lure players. Players are shifting to chase titles, to experience better coaching or for better opportunites, which helps create strong cultures.
It's little wonder, then, the Blues are brimming with confidence as recruitment and retention have been the highlights of the year suggesting they are a team players want to be part of.
With the exception of John Afoa, they have retained their forwards from this season. They lost Stephen Brett, Luke McAlister, Jared Payne, Winston Stanley and Joe Rokocoko from their back division, but in their place have signed Ma'a Nonu, Piri Weepu and Rudi Wulf.
They appear to already be better equipped to mount a title challenge. Weepu has been brought in to play both halfback and first five-eighths although he is expected to play more at No 10.
He came because he feels he can win a title - something he sincerely doubted would happen if he stayed with the Hurricanes.
The Blues are no longer actively scouring global markets for a first five-eighths, although they remain open to the idea of recruiting another playmaker should one become available. The vision is that their bench will be loaded with test-quality players as has long been the way at the Crusaders. During their golden era, when titles seemed to be won every other year, the Crusaders rarely had to call on journeymen provincial stalwarts to cover for injuries.
Injury to an All Black would create an opportunity for another All Black and the quality of the team's performance would seldom dip. The Blues didn't have that luxury this season and when the longer campaign took a massive toll, they were forced into selections which left them vulnerable.
Lachie Munro never quite looked like a Super Rugby wing, other than in his goal-kicking, and McAlister was pushed into fullback - a position he had never played before.
There is already significantly more depth but the arrival of Williams would take that to a new level. The Blues would have the opportunity to play Weepu, Nonu and Williams in midfield, with Isaia Toeava at fullback and Rene Ranger and Rudi Wulf on the wings. They would still have Benson Stanley, Gareth Anscombe and possibly Tom Marshall in reserve.
Marshall is being pursued and his utility value would be invaluable. Williams has talked in the last few weeks about the struggle he is having in making up his mind between the Crusaders, Blues and Chiefs. All three are in the race, but the Chiefs are seen as the least likely destination.
The attraction at the Chiefs is the connection with Wayne Smith who will be joining the franchise in 2012 as technical adviser. Smith and Williams have bonded, but the Chiefs are clearly going to be in rebuilding mode and may be some time off fulfilling their potential.
Williams is going to sign only a one-year contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union and has indicated he may be ready to move on to something new in 2013. If he wants to win a title before he leaves the game here, it's difficult to see that happening at the Chiefs.
If he stays in Christchurch, his partnership with Robbie Fruean will maintain the Crusaders' powerful midfield.
If he joins the Blues, he and Nonu could form something even more devastating. While these two may not necessarily work as an international pairing, they could be unstoppable at Super 15.
Nonu played at centre for the final 20 minutes against South Africa in Wellington with Williams at second five-eighths and after a slow start, they started to combine.
The All Blacks also fielded the pair against England at Twickenham last year, although Williams played at No 13 that day. On hard grounds with a fast ball in Super Rugby, Nonu running on to Williams' offloads could elevate the Blues from a playoffs team to championship contender.
