Super Rugby Pacific's preseason schedule kicks off this weekend, and while most of the All Blacks squad is required to rest, a number of players have made their way into the lineups and will face off against some of the game's brightest up-and-coming talent.

Moana Pasifika will host the Chiefs in the first New Zealand preseason game of the year and will be up against some fine international talent, with the Chiefs naming five All Blacks, in addition to a number of World Cup bolter hopefuls. 

The recently capped Pita Gus Sowakula will start in the No. 8 jersey, along with Brad Weber and Damian McKenzie, while Aidan Ross and Luke Jacobson will feature in the second half.

Shaun Stevenson, Alex Nankerville, Tyrone Tompson and Cortez Ratima were selected in the All Blacks XV and will play in the match against fellow All Blacks XV talent in Levi Aumua, who lines up for Moana Pasifika in the second quarter of the match.

A run of titles 🏆

Does @crusadersrugby's dominant run come to an end? 🧐

Who takes the #SuperRugbyPacific title for season 2023? pic.twitter.com/CKlCsU6Enl

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) February 8, 2023

Joe Moody makes his long-awaited return to the field in Crusaders colors later on Friday evening, along with fellow injury-prone All Blacks player Jack Goodhue. 

The uncapped Josh Dickson is the lone All Blacks member of the Highlanders' lineup, but he is accompanied by a wealth of youthful firepower, some of whom are fresh out of the New Zealand Under-20 squad.

All Blacks XV representatives Finlay Brewis, Tamaiti Williams, Brodie Mcalister, Dominic Gardner, Zach Gallagher and Christian Lio-Willie will line up for Scott Robertson, while Marino Mikaele-Tu'u features for the Highlanders.

The big news out of Auckland is Roger Tuivasa-Sheck requesting, and receiving, permission to play in Auckland's first preseason match against the Hurricanes on Saturday. 

The veteran prop Owen Franks will feature off the bench for the Wellington club, along with former superstar Julian Savea.

A handful of Maori All Blacks, as well as All Blacks XV talent, will feature with the likes of Zharn Sullivan and AJ Lam in the back for the Blues, along with young All Black Sevens speedster Caleb Tangitau.