Augustine Pulu

Coach Tana Umaga said Pulu, along with previous captains Jerome Kaino and James Parsons, form part of the senior leadership group.

"Both James and Jerome are sidelined for some time from surgeries and I wanted our captain to take the reins on the paddock from day one of training.

"Of course both James and Jerome will continue to play invaluable leadership roles in this team and will be key contributors in all aspects.

"Augie has proven captaincy experience in the Mitre-10 Cup and will add a fresh spark to the team."

It means Pulu's Mitre 10 Cup season is over, with Counties-Manukau out of premiership semifinal contention and just one regular season match remaining against Tasman on Saturday.

Pulu was red carded for a dangerous tackle on Manawatu's Jade Te Rure in the 75th minute of last week's match in Palmerston North, which Counties-Manukau won 29-24.

He faced a hearing before New Zealand Rugby judicial officer Nigel Hampton QC on Saturday.

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.