Tana Umaga says he must earn the respect of his players but Blues captain Jerome Kaino thinks the new coach has it already.
"I think he was being a little bit humble when he said he has to earn the players' respect," Kaino said. "Knowing the team we have andthe players coming back next year, I think he already has that. He carries a lot of mana with him everywhere he goes.
"I'm sure the boys will react well to him being coach and the knowledge that he has. Just knowing what he's done as a player and just recently at Counties ... I think he'll help with the young players we have."
Unlocking the potential of a predominantly Polynesian player base is key for a Blues head coach. Umaga, of Samoan heritage, believes he is well placed to do just that, but added: "I have an understanding of that through my background but that doesn't mean it's a given. I have to earn that - what I've done in the past is in the past."
Kaino added: "It's a different challenge at the Blues. We're a diverse bunch and we're a massive region ... I think Tana knows the challenge that he has, and for us as players I think it would be wrong to expect Tana to make the change by himself. We need to help and all contribute. I think with the season we've had ... I don't think we'll have a problem with the players lifting their performance and adding to Tana being here."
The Blues will appoint two assistants to help Umaga and current forwards coach Glenn Moore, who added solidity to the pack this season.
One of the most disappointing aspects of the Blues under Sir John Kirwan was the team's lack of attacking flair. It will be up to former All Black centre Umaga to nurture that alongside the returning Rene Ranger and George Moala, who was consistently good in the midfield this year.
Umaga and his coaches will be on the hunt for 12 players to join the squad of 20 already contracted. In committing to coaching Counties in the ITM Cup this year, Umaga appears well placed to spot them.
