A revised Super Rugby Pacific draw has released with COVID trans-Tasman restrictions forcing a change to the original schedule.
It means the the six New Zealand-based teams, including Moana Pasifika, and six Australian-based teams will play their opening eight games in their respective countries.
Each team will still play 14 matches during the regular season - 11 round-robin fixtures plus three additional rivalry matches which will see each team play a home and away series against three other teams.
Moana Pasifika will kick off the competition against the Blues at Mt Smart stadium in Auckland on Friday February 18th.
Blues players celebrate after winning the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman final. Photo: Photosport
The Chiefs will play the Highlanders in Hamilton the following day, while the Crusaders will host the Hurricanes on Saturday as well.
All 12 clubs will converge on Melbourne in Round 10 for a Super Round.
New Zealand Rugby's Chris Lendrum said "we are thrilled we've been able to maintain the integrity of the draw."
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Andy Marinos conceded coming up with the schedule had been "challenging"
"We believe these changes will allow us to navigate the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, while ensuring we maintain the integrity of the draw and the format of the new Super Rugby Pacific competition."
-RNZ