Blues transform approach

Anthony Tuitavake. Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images

The end of the Super 12 was time to start for the Blues.

In the first decade of professional rugby, the Blues had completed various evaluations, reports and even inquiries into some of their sagas.

But never had they pared back the structure and workings of the organisation as much as they did when the new staff was appointed to take the side into the Super 14.

New coach David Nucifora wanted a comprehensive review of the franchise. Structures and systems were peeled back and examined, all the information then collated to streamline and organise the Blues for their attack on the first Super 14 crown.

It was a major. Missing the play-offs for the last two seasons since their 2003 triumph demanded a thorough inspection. That study emphasised many of the Blues strengths but also uncovered enough areas where change was demanded.

The Blues decided to move permanently to a base at Unitech in Mt Albert rather than divide their time between there and Eden Park once the cricket season was complete.

Money was spent on offices, medical rooms, lecture areas, and kitchen and gym equipment to make the base practical and comfortable.

Once they were established in their new base, a key adjustment was to manage the group's time much more, to tighten all the schedules and boost the impetus in the Blues.

An overhaul of the schedule dictated that mornings would be the major work period, with the players working in 45 minute blocks with the necessary food and water breaks. The 8am-noon workload was not just training, it might be management or leadership meetings, individual sessions or feedback sessions.

Analysis and video sessions, meetings, media or sponsorship training could all be completed on site. But whatever was planned, there was a strict timetable.

The afternoons were then set aside for medicals, skill sessions, study or for players to attend to their business or family needs.

"At the start it was hard work to change. It was something new for all of us," manager Ant Strachan said.

"It is all done by the clock, but it is working. Everyone understands what we are doing now, and we have reached the eighth week now and can see the benefits."

New staff were appointed. Former Team New Zealand nutritionist Gretel Jack joined the team to encourage the players to work harder on matching their food intake to their suggested body shape. Eating charts were given out, and players were assisted with their supermarket shopping and given cooking tuition.

Some of the results are quite evident, with Nick Williams, Mike Noble and Ben Atiga looking in the best nick for some time.

Former All Black loose forward Liam Barry was hired from Hawkes Bay as a skills coach.

Consultant Heath Mills helped bed in a leadership programme, which dealt with player concerns and issues. The scheme ended up with nine players assigned to various aspects of life with the Blues who could be consulted or used as sounding boards by the squad.

Some statistics last season showed the Blues conversion rate of their linebreaks was too low and that they were messy at kickoffs. It confirmed the skill level in the squad needed lifting.

While the skill sessions evolved there was a strong emphasis from November on the strength and conditioning work needed to get through an extra-long campaign.

"We had a huge amount to get right physically," Nucifora explained. "We also had less time than ever to get things right, so we had to be very organised and work at a greater pace and intensity."

Then the All Blacks had to be dovetailed into the Blues. In recent seasons, that return has not been the easiest as both groups tried to match their differing schedules.

The decision was made to include the All Blacks when the team headed out for their trial games in Australia. After seven days on the Sunshine Coast and three on the Central Coast, there were strong reports about the team harmony.

They spent plenty of time in each others' company away from training and games. They had gone to the beach, kayaked, held skit nights, worked in mini-teams and tried a variety of cuisine.

"It was a challenge getting the guys back late, but we have spent an awful lot of time getting everyone physically right," Nucifora said.

"Then we have worked on organisation, teamwork and knowing the players' roles. It is all a juggling act, but we have also worked hard on the skills and fatigue conditioning."

The Blues had spent extra time on being more efficient on attack and how to unlock defences, which have become much more impregnable in recent seasons.

"Each week we have also spent a lot of time educating the guys, on understanding how referees look at the tackle, how they make their calls and what we can do to be more accurate in that area," said Nucifora.

"There is never enough time, but we have covered most of what we want to so far."


Blues - Promise and pitfalls

* Must weather a tough start in which they have four away games in the opening six. Have six home games and seven offshore but favoured by meeting the weaker South African sides in their extended road trip to the Republic.

* Have an abundance of cover in most positions but could get caught with Daniel Braid the sole specialist openside flanker and backup from the industrious Justin Collins.

* Cannot bank on their brilliant backs finding victories. There must be consistent energy from the forwards where there is tight five promise but slight doubts about their looseforward production - perhaps until Troy Flavell's late arrival.

* Spelling players will be a key, finding the right time to rest captain Keven Mealamu or ensuring Tasesa Lavea and Luke McAlister are fresh.

* The Blues begin with more promise than a salesmen's convention but with the nagging worry that their results have been flaky in the last two campaigns.


Blues squad

Backs: Isa Nacewa, George Pisi, Brent Ward, Doug Howlett, Vili Waqaseduadua, Joe Rokocoko, Anthony Tuitavake, Ben Atiga, Rua Tipoki, Luke McAlister, Tasesa Lavea, Junior Poluleuligaga, Steve Devine, John Senio.

Forwards: Angus Macdonald, Nick Williams, Daniel Braid, Justin Collins, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haui, Troy Flavell, Greg Rawlinson, Ali Williams, John Afoa, Mike Noble, Tim Dow, Keven Mealamu (c), Tony Woodcock, Saimone Taumoepeau.