A further blow to the Hurricanes backline for Friday's Super Rugby opener against the Crusaders in Christchurch

All Blacks midfielder Billy Proctor has been ruled out - assistant coach Bryn Evans explains.



The Crusaders have left centurion halfback Mitchell Drummond out of their 23 for Friday night, while Harry Godfrey starts at 10 for the 'Canes, with Taha Kemara to start opposite for the Crusaders.



Beauden Barrett starts at fullback for the Blues in one of five changes from last year's grand final win over the Chiefs for the rematch at Eden Park.

Taufa Funaki pushes former All Blacks halfback Finlay Christie to the bench.

The Chiefs have given Josh Jacomb the starting berth at 10, with Damian McKenzie pushed to fullback.



The Highlanders have opted for a surprise 9-10 combo for their visit to the Waratahs in Sydney with Nathan Hastie and franchise debutant Taine Robinson to start at halfback and first five respectively ahead of Folau Fakatava and Cam Millar.

Coach Jamie Joseph has named seven new faces in all.



And Moana Pasifika will have eight players wearing the jersey for the first time in their trip to Perth to face the Force.

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