Rivez Reihana's time waiting in the wings at Super Rugby level is over

He's won the race to start at first five for the injury-depleted Crusaders against his former side the Chiefs in Friday's season opener in Hamilton - with all teams just named for the weekend's opening round.

Reihana made nine bench appearances across three seasons at the Chiefs...



Elsewhere...

Highlanders and All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot will miss the opener against Moana Pasifika in Dunedin with a minor injury - former Wales international Rhys Patchell will steer the southerners at 10.



Asafo Aumua and Jordie Barrett co-captain the 'Canes against the Force in Perth with Brad Shields injured.



Blues lock Josh Beehre will make his Super Rugby debut in his home town of Whangarei against the Drua on Saturday afternoon.

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