How to Fix the Blues

There is no doubt that the Blues are in deep trouble this season and have plenty to fix. Here are my tips to fixing the franchise.

1. Change of coach
Pat Lam has been there for some time and it's clear the Blues need a change in direction in the coaching. I think the Blues should take a punt, get over their big city ego and hire the next Mark Hammett from the Crusaders - maybe Aaron Mauger, Leon Macdonald or Dave Hewett who are currently amongst the rising crop of coaches in Canterbury. What more could they lose - they've missed out on Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph, two of the most promising coaches in the country at the moment.

Actually aren't Wayne Smith, Peter Russell and Sir Graham Henry available too?

2. Players
The new coach should let many of the senior players who are pretty much at the end of their careers in NZ leave, e.g. Ali Williams, Keven Mealamu, Isaia Toeava, Daniel Braid, Tony Woodcock, Piri Weepu, Ma'a Nonu so that the coach can hire the players he wants to have in the squad and build a team that can win a championship in the future if not the next season. We have seen what a young, dynamic squad can do with the Hurricanes. Perhaps the Blues need to clear the closet and get some new clothes.

This would be my Blues squad to be a championship contender in years to come -

1.Charlie Faumuina

Charles Piutau, younger brother of Highlander, Sale.

2.Tom McCartney
3.Tevita Mailau
4.Anthony Boric (captain)
5.Filo Paolo
6.Chris Lowrey
7.Luke Braid
8.Peter Sai'li
9.Alby Matthewson
10.Gareth Anscombe
11.Bryce Heen
12.Benson Stanley
13.Rene Ranger
14.Sherwin Stowers
15.Charles Piutau