Hurricanes and Blues kick off first in Super 14

The Blues and the Hurricanes will kick off next year's inaugural Super 14 competition in Auckland on February 10.

The Crusaders will square off against the Highlanders in another all-New Zealand opening round derby while the Chiefs will have to travel to Durban to take on the Sharks.

John Mitchell-coached Western Force will play their first game at home in Perth against the Australian Capital Territory's Brumbies.

Releasing the draw today, New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Chris Moller said all three Sanzar unions were excited by the new Super 14, which takes over after 10 seasons of the Super 12.

"As we now move into the Rebel Sport Super 14, the addition of the two new teams will provide an exciting boost to what is widely acknowledged as one of the most thrilling rugby tournaments in the world."

The Western Force and the Central Cheetahs of South Africa are the two new sides.

The Hurricanes will be the first New Zealand team to face one of the new sides, taking on the Western Force in Wellington in the second week of the competition.

As well as releasing the 2006 season draw today, Sanzar also released the home-and-away draw for the following four seasons through to 2010.

- NZPA