Kieran Read returns to the Crusaders’ starting XV and Israel Dagg remains on the bench for the side’s clash with the Blues in Christchurch tomorrow night.

The Reds have put the rest of the competition on notice.

Injury concerns for Aaron Cruden and Tim Nanai-Williams have been offset by the returns of Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Ben Afeaki for the Chiefs’ clash with the Force in Pukekohe tomorrow night.

Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith has been ruled out of the side’s match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday morning (NZT) after suffering a concussion last weekend against the Bulls, but will remain in South Africa.

The Crusaders’ forward pack led the way as the side defeated the Brumbies 30-23 in Canberra on Sunday evening.

The early return from a shoulder injury of Tamati Ellison has been offset by a knee injury to fellow All Black Ma’a Nonu as the Highlanders gear up to tackle the Sharks in Dunedin tomorrow night.

All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu will start his first Super Rugby game of the season when the Blues take on the Stormers in Albany on Friday night.

With two of the most potent attacking backlines in Super Rugby, you’d hardly expect a defensive struggle when the Reds face the Blues.

Young Blues stars Steven Luatua, Francis Saili and Charles Piutau have extended their contracts with the side until the end of next year.

All Blacks winger Julian Savea has made himself unavailable for Hurricanes’ clash with the Stormers in Palmerston North on Friday night following his assault charge last week, but is expected to join the team for its South African tour.

Wallabies winger Digby Ioane says he has “no choice” but to leave the Reds at the end of the season and has told them he will not take the third-year option on his contract.

The already weakened Sharks have been dealt another blow, with prop Tendai Mtawarira ruled out of their clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday night with a calf strain.

The-increasingly-hard-to-predict Super Rugby season continued in round 10.

A teary-eyed Julian Savea has issued an apology after it was revealed he was charged with assault in relation to a domestic incident last week.
 

All Blacks and Hurricanes wing Julian Savea has been charged with common assault, the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby Union confirmed today.

Highlanders No 8 Mose Tuiali’i has sustained a knee injury and will not be available for his side’s clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch tomorrow night.

Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles has been ruled out of rugby for six weeks after suffering a fractured eye socket in training on Wednesday.

Force coach Michael Foley has opted to rest two key backs for their match against the Hurricanes in Wellington tonight.

Digby Ioane has recovered from a knee injury and will start for the Reds when they face the Brumbies in Brisbane on Saturday.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has retained Tyler Bleyendaal at first five for the side’s clash with the Highlanders on Saturday night.