Blues halfback Augustine Pulu could prove a valuable player this season.
Every year the focus falls on the Blues No 10 jersey but the bloke inside him could prove more influential this season.
All the hype and expectation surrounding the Blues this year predominately emerged from the recruitment of Sonny Bill Williams. Now we know he won't feature for at least the first five weeks due to his recovery from an Achilles injury, Augustine Pulu could well prove a better piece of business.
We've seen through Aaron Smith, Will Genia and Fourie du Preez at their peak just how much a quality halfback adds to a Super Rugby team. They bring tempo, guile and provide that crucial link.
Counties Manukau prop Pauliasi Manuhas made an immediate impact at the Blues.
With the right platform, similar impact from Pulu is not out of the question. He should certainly take pressure and responsibility off Ihaia West's shoulders.
Like so many in the Blues environment, after their time together at Counties Manukau Tana Umaga knew exactly what he was getting when he snatched Pulu from the Chiefs: a true competitor. Pulu is a combative halfback who never steps back. He feeds off heavy contact, and can dish it out in return.
Prior to him linking with the New Zealand sevens team, the Blues tried unsuccessfully to get Pulu out of the final year of his contract with the Chiefs in 2016.
Umaga eventually got his man, offloading Bryn Hall to the Crusaders in the process. Expect Pulu to now repay the faith of his mentor.
Pulu was somewhat wasted at the Chiefs. Stuck behind and largely overshadowed by Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Brad Weber he struggled for game time in a scenario akin to the Crusaders hoarding first-fives during the Dan Crater era.
Elements of Pulu's game needed work at the Chiefs. He had a tendency to go alone and often get isolated. His decision-making and kicking game also needed refining.
Still, that raw talent - his destructive running ability and vision - was enough to see him debut for the All Blacks in 2014, though his 20 minutes against the USA and two minutes in Edinburgh don't do him justice now.
Pulu, out of the famous Wesley College, has come a long way since he first appeared for the Chiefs some five years ago. No more is that evident than in his temperament.
With the All Blacks absent for much of the preseason he immediately made his mark in the leadership group, and will be leaned on to support stand-in captain Jimmy Tupou as the Blues open the season in Melbourne on Thursday without Jerome Kaino, James Parsons, Patrick Tuipulotu and Williams.
"Jimmy has proven himself," Pulu said of the former Crusaders lock and Counties team-mate. "He's a person that doesn't really talk much but he's the right person this week."
Only 27, Pulu harbours hopes of regaining his spot in the All Blacks, and with Kerr-Barlow weighing a move to France the door is already ajar.
While the team flopped, Pulu's stint in sevens, with its fitness benefits, and on the Olympic stage after recovering from a broken arm will only help his development.
Outside of perhaps the Crusaders he couldn't ask for a better pack to play behind, and with Steve Jackson cracking the whip the Blues forwards should reach another gear.
Pauliasi Manu - also lured from the Chiefs - showcased his scrummaging prowess in taking Nepo Laulala to school in the final preseason match. Team him up with Charlie Faumuina, who comes off the bench against the Rebels, and the Blues tight-five should give Pulu the desired platform more often than not.
Trust his natural abilities and Pulu could be just the added spark the Blues need.
Peter Meecham/ Photosport.nz