Julian Savea has had to switch position after the Wellington Lions were struck by injury and forced to make a late change.
Wellington Lions coach Leo Crowley has named his first squad of the season ahead of his side's opening Bunnings NPC match against Northland. With two current All Blacks in the side, including halfback TJ Perenara, Crowley will be eying a victorious opening.
An investigation initiated by MedSafe into the operation of the website Clenbuterol New Zealand has meant that three more New Zealand rugby players have been banned for doping.