By Simon Hampton
There's no way of getting inside the minds of players but the Blues signing of Sonny Bill Williams has the potential to shift the recruitment landscape in Super Rugby.
Previously, the Blues have been the most unattractive option among the five New Zealand Super teams, despite being based in the biggest city.
Now, with the most marketable player in the game on their books, the Blues are undoubtedly a more attractive option for players.
Beauden Barrett (Photosport)
Williams is now the front runner to wear the All Blacks 12 jersey from 2017, so could a player like Beauden Barrett be tempted to finally make the switch to Auckland to play inside Williams?
It must be a factor, an opportunity to build a strong relationship would help, not hinder, his chances of becoming the All Blacks starting first five.
The Blues have chased him before, and while I'm not saying Barrett will or won't, it's the most obvious example.
Williams himself will not make players turn down contracts to move to Auckland, but it's a factor that I think carries significant weight. It will help get deals across the line.
Teams with Williams in it tend to do well, and while the Blues are not a championship side just on the back of Williams signing, they are a lot closer than they were without him.
Players see that, now let's see whether they act on it.
Watch above to see Tana Umaga speak about Williams' signing.
Newshub.
