Lions need Kriel to fire
Jaco Kriel will have to be at his best if the Lions are to get anything out of their match against the Hurricanes in Joburg on Friday, writes BRENTON CHELIN.
Jaco Kriel will have to be at his best if the Lions are to get anything out of their match against the Hurricanes in Joburg on Friday, writes BRENTON CHELIN.
Jacques Potgieter will be hoping to make another big impact for the Waratahs when they tackle the Force in Sydney on Sunday, writes SIMON BORCHARDT.
Sonny Bill Williams will mark his return to Vodacom Super Rugby with a game-shaping display in the New Zealand derby between the Blues and Chiefs, writes JON CARDINELLI.
The Brumbies will beat the Reds in Canberra on Friday if Tevita Kuridrani has a blinder, writes MARIETTE ADAMS.
The Crusaders will look to put poor pre-season results behind them with a win against the Rebels in Christchurch on Friday, writes SIMON BORCHARDT.
Damian de Allende will start at inside centre for the Stormers' clash against the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus on Saturday.
Marco Kotze will make his Vodacom Super Rugby debut for the Reds against the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday.
Jimmy Cowan will start at scrumhalf for the Blues against the Chiefs in North Harbour on Saturday.
Sonny Bill Williams will play his first Vodacom Super Rugby match since 2012 for the Chiefs against the Blues on Saturday.
Dave Dennis returns from a lengthy injury lay-off to lead the Waratahs in their opening match against the Force on Sunday.