Don't expect to see All Blacks star Beauden Barrett in a Blues jersey towards the end of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
With one round left in the competition, assistant coach Tom Coventry insists they'll keep the faith with the team that's gotten them to their current position of strength atop the table.
With four wins and four bonus points from four matches, the Blues are odds-on for a home final against either the Highlanders or Crusaders.
A win with a bonus point over the Force on Saturday would seal their first home final since 2003 - the last time the Auckland side lifted a Super Rugby trophy.
But the Blues selection picture won't be muddled by the return of Barrett, who's finished his stint in managed isolation, after finishing runner-up in the Japanese Top League with Suntory Sun Goliath.
Barrett would need an injury within the Blues ranks to join the side, with Coventry saying that he hasn't been in touch with the All Blacks star.
"I think he's been in touch with Leon [MacDonald]," Coventry says. "I haven't had much to do with Beauden, but he's back and I'm sure he'll be supporting from the sidelines.
"He hasn't been down [to] training yet, so I think he's just enjoying his time at home with the bub."
Slotting Barrett into a winning Blues side could prove the biggest problem coaches would have.
Otere Black has shone at first-five, while youngster Zarn Sullivan has grabbed his chance in the fullback jersey, meaning Barrett would have to replace an in-form player to fit into the team.
Coventry concedes that even a player of Barrett's ability would be up against it trying to force his way into the Blues right now.
"To be honest with you, it hasn't been a consideration.
"We've got faith in the boys that are here. They've been doing a marvelous job and I don't think Beauden coming in at the 11th hour is probably what we're after at this stage.
"We just have to take faith in the guys who've taken us through the season.
"I'm sure Beaudy will be a good supporter from the sidelines for us."
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