Anthony Boric will make his long-awaited return to rugby from the bench when the Blues development side takes on the Crusaders Knights in Pakuranga on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues have named an unchanged line-up for their match against the Crusaders at Eden Park on Friday night.

All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg has been named on the wing for the Crusaders’ first match of the season against the Blues in Auckland on Friday night.

A shoulder injury has ruled Rebels captain Gareth Delve out of their match with the Waratahs in Sydney on Friday night.

Conrad Smith has been cleared of concussion and will line up at centre for when the Hurricanes take on the Reds in Brisbane on Friday night.

The Force have signed former Hurricanes halfback Chris Eaton on a short-term contract as cover for the injured Brett Sheehan.

Highlanders No 8 Nasi Manu has been ruled out of rugby for three months, after he dislocated a ligament in his foot during the side’s match against the Chiefs last Friday night.

Captain James Horwill will miss the Reds’ clash with the Hurricanes in Brisbane on Friday night due to a niggling ankle injury.

Former Wallabies flanker George Smith will play Super Rugby this year for the Brumbies after signing a short-term deal with the franchise.

The first full week of Super Rugby tossed up a few surprises.
 

Brad Thorn will miss the Highlanders’ first match of the season against the Chiefs in Dunedin tomorrow night with a calf injury.

The Blues have named journeyman Chris Noakes at first five to face the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday night.
 

Alapati Leiua has won first crack at Cory Jane’s No 14 jersey for the Hurricanes’ opening match against the Blues in Wellington on Saturday night.

Four backs have been ruled out of the Chiefs ‘opening match of the season against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday night.

The Rebels have named an unchanged side to face the Brumbies in Melbourne on Friday night.

Dan Carter has been removed as a vice-captain of the Crusaders in a bid to help lighten his workload.

Ardie Savea will have to wait until week seven of Super Rugby to make his Hurricanes debut, after being suspended for a dangerous tackle in the team’s pre-season encounter with the Chiefs last weekend.

Chiefs co-captain Craig Clarke has joined the overseas exodus and signed with Irish club Connacht.