Shortened 2015 Super Rugby season unveiled

Andy Ellis of the Crusaders is tackled by Tony Woodcock of the Blues during the round 18 Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and the Blues. Photo / Getty.

A shortened Super Rugby season will open next year with the Crusaders hosting the Rebels in February.

Seven-time champions and beaten finalists this year, the Crusaders' first game on February 13 will be part of a big weekend for sport in Christchurch.

The opening match of the cricket World Cup will be played there a day later, when New Zealand face Sri Lanka.

The defending champion Waratahs begin their campaign at home to the Force in the last game of the opening round.

The Blues host the Chiefs while the Highlanders sit out a bye and the Hurricanes meet the Lions in Johannesburg.

Unlike the last two seasons, there is no June international window to interrupt the competition.

It finishes a month earlier than usual to allow international teams time to prepare for the World Cup starting in September.

The last round-robin games are on June 13 and the final is set down for July 4, with the All Blacks facing Samoa in Apia four days later.

Organisers have acknowledged the Anzac Centenary in round 11 by allocating three trans-Tasman matches along with a New Zealand derby game (Crusaders against Blues) and an Australian derby (Waratahs v Rebels).

A re-match of this year's final takes place in round 15, when the Waratahs host the Crusaders on May 23.

Another notable fixture comes in the final round on June 13 when the Chiefs host the Hurricanes in New Plymouth.

The Taranaki Rugby Union changed allegiance from the Hurricanes to the Chiefs last year.

Check out the full schedule here.