Keven Mealamu will become the Blues' first ever centurion as he leads his team out onto Eden Park to face the Brumbies on Friday.
The Chiefs and Reds take a rest in Round Six of the Super 14, which could allow front-runners to extend their lead.
Saracens have agreed to a request by the Lions to release Wikus van Heerden from his contract in England with immediate effect.
Patrick Lambie has been named to start at full-back for the Sharks in Saturday's Super 14 clash against the Highlanders.
Waratahs coach Chris Hickey is sweating over the fitness of Wycliff Palu and Al Baxter ahead of their Super 14 trip to face the Western Force.
Centre Morgan Turinui was the surprise omission from the 26-strong Reds squad to tour South Africa for the next three weeks.
Melbourne Rebels have announced Queensland Reds prop Laurie Weeks as their first Australian-based signing for the 2011 Super 15.
Force coach John Mitchell has - injuries notwithstanding - retained the matchday 22 that was stuffed 50-10 by the Reds last week.
Young whizz-kid Robbie Robinson will make a starting debut for the Highlanders in their Super 14 rugby match against the Sharks on Saturday.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has benched five of his All Blacks ahead of the visit of the Lions to the Crusaders on Saturday.
Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has wielded the axe following their defeat to the Stormers, with Piri Weepu one of five carrying the can.
The Stormers have made two changes to their starting XV for Saturday's Super 14 derby against the Cheetahs at Newlands.
South Africa and Bulls scrum-half Fourie du Preez has extended his contract with the union until 2011 - but will then move on to Japan.
Stormers captain Schalk Burger warned his team-mates they cannot bask in the glory of their Super 14 victory over the Hurricanes for too long.
The winless Lions have made six changes to their starting XV for Saturday's Super 14 match against the Crusaders in Christchurch.