The matches, pre-season fixtures for the competition, are not official Super Rugby or SANZAR matches, and factors such as disciplinary issues, potential broadcasting schedules and match conditions (duration and number of breaks) will be organised by the hosting unions.
The early matches may be without All Blacks, although plenty of Test players are already back with their franchises, notably Blues captain Ali Williams and Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles.
Demanding pre-season training, from the Chiefs coast-to-coast runs to the Hurricanes near legendary surf swim training, through to all franchises engaging their fans as the season rushes towards us, will now give way to action on the field.
It is now 19 days until season kick off.
The first round, kicking off with the Australian Conferences in action only, will see New Zealand and South African sides continue to play pre-season matches.
2013 SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON FIXTURES
NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE SIDES
Saturday 2 February
Crusaders v Hurricanes 15:00 Alpine Stadium, Timaru
Saturday 2 February
Chiefs v Highlanders 15:00 Owen Delany Park , Taupo
Saturday 2 February
Reds v Blues 19:00Toowoomba Sports Ground, Toowoomba
Friday 8 February
Highlanders v Crusaders 16:30 Whitestone Contracting Stadium, Oamaru
Friday 8 February
Reds v Chiefs 19:00 Stockland Stadium, Sunshine Coast
Saturday 9 February
Rebels v Hurricanes 17:30 Simonds Stadium Geelong
Saturday 9 February
Blues v Waratahs 14:30 Toll Stadium, Whangarei
Thursday 14 February
Waratahs v Crusaders 19:30 Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Friday 15 February
Highlanders v Blues 17:30 Recreational Ground, Queenstown
Saturday 16 February
Hurricanes v Chiefs 15:00 Mangatainoka RFC, Mangatainoka
=================================================