Super Rugby: Around the grounds

Wellington's Jason Woodward will make his debut at fullback for the Hurricanes against the Lions tomorrow morning. Photo / Getty Images

Blues

With Minnesota Vikings tight end Rhett Ellison visiting training this week, it's tempting to ponder how some of the Blues' best would handle a job swap. Ellison, a descendant of New Zealand's first official rugby captain and related to former All Black Tamati Ellison, attended school in Christchurch before being selected in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft.

At 1.96m and 113kg, Ellison has the size required to excel in America's most popular sport, but so do several Blues. Jerome Kaino (1.96m, 110kg) and Steven Luatua (1.96m, 115kg) both have the physicality, speed and strength to play Ellison's position, with tight ends required to block, catch passes and bump off tacklers.

Chiefs

While there has been much prognosticating on whether Sonny Bill Williams and Liam Messam will feature for the New Zealand sevens team in Rio next year, the Chiefs boast another player far more likely to fulfil his Olympic dream. After turning out for Samoa in Wellington last week, Tim Nanai-Williams now needs to play only one more world circuit round to switch eligibility from New Zealand. And that will arrive in May, during the Chiefs' second bye, leaving the utility back a virtual lock for Samoa's squad in 2016.

Hurricanes

Having lost their opening match of the season for five straight years, the slow starters could use any positive vibes available before beginning their campaign in South Africa against the Lions. Enter Jason Woodward, a hometown boy finally making his debut at fullback. Woodward has always wanted to pull on the Hurricanes strip, even if he had to prove himself across the Tasman first. So, after two seasons with the Melbourne Rebels, the Upper Hutt lad will give his friends and family an excellent reason to wake up early tomorrow morning.

Crusaders

If Crusaders fans are searching for omens that suggest their team are set to go one better than last year, then look no further. The 2014 runners-up are set to kick off the season against the Melbourne Rebels tonight and a couple of very welcome faces will feature in the run-on 15. Despite having sat out the pre-season, Richie McCaw will take his place on the blindside flank, while Dan Carter will start in the No10 jersey.

The last time McCaw and Carter both started the Crusaders' opening fixture was in 2008. And what happened that season? The Crusaders won the last of their seven Super Rugby titles.

Highlanders

Jamie Joseph must have angered someone at Sanzar to end up with a first-round bye. Highlanders fans, at least, can console themselves by turning to bat and ball, with the Black Caps set to meet Scotland at University Oval on Tuesday.