Ali Williams will captain the Blues for the first time when he leads out the side to face the Waratahs in Whangarei on Saturday in the second pre-season hit-out of the year.

The Blues’ young guns pushed a Wallaby laden Reds outfit all the way in Toowoomba this evening before eventually succumbing to the 2011 Super Rugby Champions 41-35 in the opening pre-season game of the year.

Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan has praised the courage and commitment of his young outfit in the wake of their narrow 41-35 loss to the Queensland Reds on Saturday.

The Blues’ young newcomers will get the chance to test themselves against a powerful Reds outfit when the two sides meet for their first pre-season trial of the year in Toowoomba on Saturday.

They’ve got a new-look team and a new coaching staff, now the Blues are taking a fresh new approach to their team poster ahead of the 2013 Investec Super Rugby season.

The Blues have named a group of 20 players who will form the core of the 2013 Blues Development team for a five-game campaign in February and March.

Piri Weepu is backÖand he’s fit and raring to go.

He’s still got that trademark smile and jovial attitude, but there is a steelier edge to Blues livewire Rene Ranger this season.

When one of the Blues’ biggest fans approached us about her desire to put on a special American-style BBQ for the team, it was an offer we simply couldn’t refuse.

Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan hijacked our Twitter account (@BluesRugbyTeam) yesterday afternoon to answer all your questions live.

The Blues are heading into the community on Wednesday and will hold a public training session at Teachers Eastern Rugby Club in Orakei.

What better way to kick off the Blues home season with a cracker match against our favourite foes – the Crusaders. This clash at Eden Park is always an epic battle and expect no less for our first home game of the 2013 season.