The Blues could say goodbye to midfield stars Sonny Bill Williams and Ma'a Nonu, among a host of other names, heading into 2020, coach Leon MacDonald has hinted.
Following last night's 29-24 loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington, the Blues find themselves going back to the drawing board, the only New Zealand side to miss the Super Rugby finals once again.
Speaking to media after his side's loss, coach MacDonald made it clear that there will be change within the Blues' ranks heading into 2020, bidding for a first finals appearance since 2011.
"There's going to be some personnel changes, that's just natural," MacDonald said.
"Every year there's got to be some.
"Now that we've got a really good understanding of our group and where we feel we need to bolster, we can go out and attack that area."
MacDonald strongly hinted at change in the 12 and 13 jerseys, with 37-year old Nonu and 33-year old Williams yet to announce their playing futures.
"We could be losing a lot of experience in the midfield, [but] we're not certain of that yet.
"But we've got to get the right people in that midfield to help control the game with the 10s, and have some good game understanding, play a good kicking game, as well as the running game.
"All those things we'll talk about at length. If we can recruit well and get our off season right, hopefully these close losses, we can turn them into wins."
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