Planet Sport

Three of Australia's four Super 14 sides face tough first assignments in 2009, hitting the road for round one fixtures.

Three of Australia's four Super 14 sides face tough first assignments in 2009, hitting the road for testing round one fixtures.

The 14th year of the competition kicks off with the Highlanders hosting the Brumbies in Dunedin on February 13.

Later that evening the Western Force will be in action against the Blues in Perth - the only match to be played in Australia on the opening weekend - followed by NSW up against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

The Reds have arguably the toughest task, taking on the Bulls in Pretoria in the first of back-to-back matches in the republic.

Reigning champions the Crusaders begin their title defence with a home match against fellow Kiwi outfit the Chiefs.

The replay of the 2008 final between the Crusaders and Waratahs will be played at the Sydney Football Stadium on March 21.

New Waratahs coach Chris Hickey is delighted with the draw, which gives NSW seven home games including five straight.

"There's always a bit of balance in the Super 14 draw, some good and some not so good," he said.

"Our biggest positive is the nine-week stretch where we play eight matches in Australia, seven of them in Sydney.

"That's going to be our most crucial period of the season because if we don't pick up points at home we're just making it even tougher for ourselves to qualify for the finals with our last three games in South Africa."