The Blues' campaign starts with their opening Super 14 pre-season match against the Reds in Whangarei on Wednesday, and with a new skipper at the helm.
Troy Flavell takes over from Keven Mealamu for the season, partly because the All Black hooker is one of 22 players ona reconditioning programme which removes them from the competition until round eight in late March.
Lock/loose forward Flavell, 30, who has recovered from shoulder surgery, has played 17 tests and returned to New Zealand rugby last year after a stint in Japan.
"He is passionate about the game," Blues coach David Nucifora said. "He has proved himself a natural leader within our squad and I am confident he will captain this team with maturity and commitment."
The Blues' second pre-season game is at Rotorua against the Chiefs on January 25 before their opening competition match, against the champion Crusaders at Eden Park on February 2.
