Super Rugby Pacific will kick off this weekend with a swag of stars on the sidelines

New dad Damian McKenzie is missing from the Chiefs side to visit the Blues on Saturday along with fellow internationals Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi, Emoni Narawa and Leroy Carter.

The Blues - who already confirmed they'd be without Beauden Barrett for the opening rounds - do welcome back prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi from a long-term neck injury.

Crusaders prop Tamaiti Williams has been ruled out of their side to face the Highlanders in Dunedin owing to personal reasons, while coach Rob Penney has also opted to ease in Codie Taylor and Will Jordan off the bench.

They're also without Scott Barrett until the back end of the season with his sabbatical - Penney says it's a chance for the lesser experienced locks to strut their stuff.



And it's now been confirmed Highlanders and All Blacks lock Fabian Holland is out until August with shoulder surgery.

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