2024 All Blacks Ethan Blackadder, George Bell, Noah Hotham , Finlay Christie and Billy Proctor will all get game time this weekend as Super Rugby sides kick off their pre-season fixtures

Blackadder will start at openside flanker for the Crusaders as they meet the Blues in Kirwee in rural Canterbury, after missing the end of year tour through injury, with Hotham also starting at halfback.

Bell will get some time off the bench as one of 20 reserves.

Christie will play the first half for the Blues, who will also call on Harry Plummer as he begins his final season with the franchise before heading to France.

Proctor is one of 47 players named by Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw to meet the Chiefs in New Plymouth.