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 and the 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."
