Former All Blacks front-rower Richard Loe believes the Blues will benefit from the reported signing of Dan Carter for the Super Rugby Aotearoa season.
The Blues are expected to confirm the signing of Carter at their training session on Thursday on a short-term basis in a player-mentor role.
Carter last played in New Zealand in 2015, but is a three-time Super Rugby champion, which is more titles than the rest of the Blues teams combined.
The Blues have also struggled to make the playoffs in recent years, with their last appearance in 2011.
The 38-year-old has a strong relationship with current Blues coach Leon MacDonald, with the pair playing alongside each other at the Crusaders and the All Blacks.
"To have another experienced person in the Blues will be great," Loe told The AM Show. "It is what they have been missing.
"It is another wise head to spread the love. He is an experienced head and what he brings to the game is excellent.
"It doesn't matter where he is in New Zealand, they might use him to assist their academy, so it's great to see him back."
Carter, who last played for the Kobelco Steelers, is currently a free agent after the Japanese domestic season was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
In January, he had a successful return to the rugby field after undergoing neck surgery in April, 2018.
Loe is unsure how often Carter will get on the field with Beauden Barrett, who hasn't played since the Rugby World Cup currently contracted to the Blues.
"You may just use him on the bench. He doesn't have to go on the field.
"The intensity of the New Zealand derbies are brutal. The players say it's twice as hard as a normal game.
"He's only injury cover so use him wisely and sparingly."
Rumours circulated of Carter's signing on Wednesday night when MacDonald messaged his side, saying the three-time World Player of the Year was coming in as injury cover for Stephen Perofeta, and he wanted them to know before word got out.
The message was posted on social media.
"His motive is to give back to NZ Rugby by sharing his experience/knowledge with us," Macdonald wrote.
The Blues face the Hurricanes in their first match in Super Rugby Aotearoa on June 14.
