Tournaments

Preview: Crusaders vs Chiefs

The Chiefs start the defence of their Super Rugby title against their biggest rival for the New Zealand conference, the Crusaders, on Friday in Christchurch.

Preview: England vs Ireland

With their first two hurdles successfully cleared, Ireland travel to Twickenham on Saturday sniffing the scent of a second Grand Slam in five years.

Preview: Wales vs France

Wales' defence of their Six Nations crown hangs in the balance as an in-form French side travels to the Millennium Stadium for a rare Friday night fixture.

Same again for Sharks

Jake White has stuck with the team that beat the Bulls for their match against the Hurricanes at Kings Park on Saturday.

Blues bench Marshall

Chris Noakes will start at flyhalf for the Blues against the Highlanders in Dunedin with Benji Marshall among the substitutes.