Blues coach Leon MacDonald is expecting some selection headaches when choosing his first team to play in the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition against the Hurricanes next month.
They would not be playing a traditional warm-up game before making the selection and while they would have an in-house contested build-up game, it wasn't the same as a proper game, he said.
Too many players within the squad knew each other's play, something that wasn't the case when playing other sides.
The selection itself would involve a balancing act resulting from the seven-eight week lockdown and the need to prepare carefully.
They were conscious, the issues the Warriors had faced in their preparation to play league in Australia so there was an understanding they didn't want to push forward too quickly.
"That stuff is in our control but game one is not so we'll just have to deal with that when we run out against the 'Canes," he said.
MacDonald said the side's return had been made easier due to good weather which resulted in some hard work being put in and the players had enjoyed being back in action together.
Some new points of emphasis would be applied by referees during games. The laws involved had always been there but their application would be stricter.
They would ensure they were on their toes around and clear about that. Offside rulings had been a focus for the Blues in the early part of the season so it would continue to be a case of getting it right or learning the hard way.
The competition was going to be tough but MacDonald welcomed that and said it would show where the Blues were at in their development.
Wing Matt Duffie said the competition was exciting but at the same time, it would be physically and mentally challenging.
"Just with all the changes in the environment, the way we travel to games, game day prep and no crowds and all that sort of stuff but above all else, it is very exciting.
"Over the years we have always had that desire to play well against New Zealand teams and I think most of the other New Zealand teams have probably got a chip on their shoulder about that so it is going to make for an exciting competition and some pretty hectic games," he said.
Duffie said he had some experience of same-day travel when playing reserve grade in the NRL. It was different but it reached the point where it didn't warrant any more thinking.
Travelling home meant sleeping in your bed while the following day was much easier.
Duffie said Beauden Barrett's arrival with the side had given them a world-class player and since being with the side he had bought into what they were about. At the same time, he was leading the way through his actions not only on fitness but skills as well.
"As a backline, it is good for us to have a player of his calibre," he said.