Super Rugby champions the Chiefs will be without All Blacks loose forward Sam Cane for the start of the season because of a knee injury.

Cane scored a first-half try but was later helped off the field during the Chiefs 43-19 win over the Blues in a pre-season match over the weekend.

The Chiefs, who are chasing their third title in a row, open their campaign against the Crusaders in Christchurch at 6.35pm this Friday.

On Saturday, the Blues take on the Highlanders at 6.35pm while the Brumbies play the Reds in Canberra at 8.40pm.

At 3.05am Sunday, the Sharks take on the Hurricanes while the Lions play the Stormers at 5.10am Sunday.

Meanwhile the Lions beat the Cheetahs 21-20 while the Sharks beat the Bulls 31-16 over the weekend.

Story by: Aliki Bia