Lying on an operating table in Los Angeles having a 25mm screw inserted into his spine to fix a fractured vertebrae, promising youngster Michael Hobbs contemplated that his career as a professional rugby player may well be over.

The euphoria of World Cup glory at Eden Park just four months ago is still in the air, but tonight marks a new beginning as the Blues and Crusaders kick-start Investec Super Rugby 2012.

Blues Development team head coach Jeff Wilson has named an experienced and exciting lineup to face the Crusader Knights on Friday afternoon at Waitemata Rugby Club (kick-off 4.00pm).

It’s fair to say everyone’s really excited the season has finally rolled around. For some of the players it’s been the longest break they’ve had in the last few years.

Michael Hobbs has edged out All Black star Piri Weepu and young gun Gareth Anscombe to start at first five-eighths for the Blues in their season opener against the Crusaders at Eden Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm).

This week we look back to 2003 and highlights of the mercurial Carlos Spencer

Today we take you back just 12 months to the 2011 season opener against the Crusaders at Eden Park.

This week we turn our attention to the 1996 semi-final against Northern Transvaal. In front of a bumper home crowd, the Blues smashed their South African opponents 48-11.

The Blues rounded out their pre-season campaign with a comfortable 29-12 victory over the Highlanders at Unitec on Friday afternoon.

Keven Mealamu will make his first appearance of the year for the Blues when they take on the Highlanders in their final pre-season match at Unitec on Friday afternoon (kick-off 2.00pm)