Piri Weepu will make his first appearance of the year for the Blues on Friday when they take on the Highlanders in Queenstown in their final pre-season hit-out.

While the Blues spent three days in Whangarei last week preparing for their victorious pre-season match against the Waratahs, the players took the opportunity to get out and about in the Northland community.

Fans and members will have the chance to meet the full 2013 Blues squad at a special FREE open day on Sunday 17 February at the North Harbour Stadium outer oval

A try to Peter Saili in overtime snatched a thrilling 40-36 victory for the Blues over the Waratahs in their second pre-season match in Whangarei today.

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.