Lachie Munro. Photo / Getty Images
Northland utility Lachie Munro is one of the new Blues choices in a squad which faces numerous injury issues before the revamped Super rugby season starts.
At least four forwards are on lengthy rehab programmes or have uncertain start dates in the new series including probable captain and All Black
hooker Keven Mealamu.
Former All Black Bradley Mika has signed on, but has a damaged knee and is unlikely to play until the middle of the competition, Ali Williams' return is uncertain while new loose forward Luke Braid and lock Liaki Moli have to get over serious injuries.
Mika has apparently been identified as a No 8 while he played most of his rugby for Auckland, the Blues and three tests in 2002, as a lock.
Munro grabs a utility role, aided by his goalkicking, in the backline which has been compressed to deal with the injured forwards' roster.
Stephen Brett will be favoured to cement his role at first five-eighths although Luke McAlister is also likely to get some matches in that role.
The Blues finished seventh but in this season's campaign washup, coach Pat Lam suggested that 2011 would see the team reaching the peaks it last achieved in 2003.
The Blues have lost eight players from last year to overseas contracts or other squads but they have picked up Jared Payne at fullback, Toby Morland as halfback and may also have Sherwin Stowers and loose forward Matt Luamanu, in a squad which is unlikely to include any draft players.
All five New Zealand squads will be announced today at Eden Park with each side's roster extended to 32 players, allowing for three halfbacks and three hookers, with another eight players in the development lists.
Blues departures this year are Paul Williams, Rudi Wulf, George Pisi, Anthony Tuitavake, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Viliame Ma'afu, Tom Chamberlain and Serge Lilo.
Northland have appointed Adriaan Ferris as their new coach to replace departing Blues assistant Bryce Woodward for next year's ITM Cup competition.
