Super Rugby champions Auckland Blues, strengthened by the return of Beauden Barrett, have high hopes of back-to-back titles as the club competition returns this week, but are wary of Australian sides bolstered by the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels.

The first Team List Wednesday has thrown Fantasy Super Rugby Pacific managers into chaos after several shocks and surprises. The two top-priced players in the game, Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett, were named out of position, whilst the fifth highest-priced, Tom Wright, is one of several big names either not named or on the bench.