Owen Franks

Hurricanes get All Blacks veteran back while another makes debut

Coles who's played 128 games for the Hurricanes will finally take the field having recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered on the All Blacks Northern Tour at the end of last year.

"We've taken it slowly with him to make sure he's 100% when he comes back, and he's absolutely flying around the place now," said coach Jason Holland.

There are some obvious things with Colesy, about what he'll bring in creating a bit of edge around the group and the way he leads, which is great for our boys. He's dying to play and dying to contribute."

All Blacks Rugby World Cup squad named

Hansen congratulated the players named in the squad and offered his commiseration's to those who missed out.

"Over the last couple of months we've spent a lot of time building our game, working on the individual skill sets we want and as selectors, taking the time to get really clear we wanted to put together from a selection point of view, for this team.

Owen Franks poised for return for Crusaders against Rebels

The veteran prop's been struggling with a muscle tear in his right shoulder but has survived what appeared to be a busy training session in Christchurch on Tuesday.

Franks has to get through the full week to be considered for Saturday night's final round robin game against the Rebels. 

"It was great for him to get a good session in today," said assistant coach Ronan O'Gara. "He's tracking along nicely.

"He's been out for a substantial amount of time, so you have to be careful. He's such a prized asset that you've got to make sure you get his return to play right."

Owen Franks joins All Blacks exodus

The 31-year-old was a member of both the 2011 and 2015 World Cup-winning teams - and has 106 test caps to his name.

Franks will join older brother Ben and former All Black prop Ben at Northampton - and says the move presents a great opportunity to test himself in a new rugby environment, and reconnect with family there.

Franks has been named to start for the Crusaders in their Super Rugby opener tomorrow night against Blues in Auckland.

Franks and Dagg finally back for Crusaders

The pair have been named in the Crusaders starting lineup for Saturday night's match against the Japanese side the Sunwolves.

Prop Franks makes his return from an Achilles injury and Dagg a knee injury with the pair not having played since September.

Dagg will start on the right wing.

Regular skipper All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock has been rested with fellow with fellow All Black Matt Todd to lead the side.

The Chiefs have made four changes to their starting lineup for their match against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.