Defending champions Glasgow went back to the top of the BKT United Rugby Championship with a comfortable 33-3 win over Zebre at Scotstoun.
A dramatic late try with the clock well in the red from David Shanahan ensured that Ulster opened their United Rugby Championship season with a 20-19 win over champions Glasgow Warriors.
Murphy Walker is set to complete a memorable week with his first Glasgow appearance in 18 months.
The first Guinness Six Nations after a World Cup often sees a changing of the guard, with new faces emerging as a fresh four-year cycle begins.
Glasgow made it five wins from six to go top of the United Rugby Championship table after recovering from a 14-0 deficit
The recruitment of a 34-year-old prop from Ireland might have raised a few eyebrows in New Zealand this weekend.
Julian Savea will captain the Hurricanes this weekend in his first match for the franchise since leaving for Toulon in 2018.
Aaron Smith’s long-awaited return to the green and white jersey will be via the bench when the Turbos take on Northland in Whangarei on Sunday.
Unwanted All Blacks duo Waisake Naholo and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi will have to state their case for World Cup inclusion through the Mitre 10 Cup after being named in the Taranaki squad for the upcoming campaign.