Sharks to open 2018 Super Rugby campaign against the Lions
SANZAAR has announced the match schedule for the restructured 2018 Super Rugby tournament that comprises a 15-team three-conference format.
Each team will play 16 Conference matches that include eight matches within their own Conference (home and away) and four matches against teams from each of the other Conferences (home or away). The finals will comprise an eight team, seven match series.
The tournament starts on Saturday 17 February when the South African Conference kicks-off with the Stormers hosting the Jaguares in Cape Town.
The Lions host the Cell C Sharks in Johannesburg, while Bulls have a bye.
The Sharks will then play two home matches against the Waratahs and Sunwolves and will then travel to Australasia and take on the Brumbies, Rebels, Blues and Hurricanes.
Full Sharks fixtures click here
The Australian and New Zealand Conferences will kick-off a week later when the defending champions the Crusaders open the defence of their title at home against the Chiefs.
The Brumbies open the season against the Sunwolves in Tokyo who are now positioned in the Australian Conference.