Blues meet Canes in 2010 opener

The Bulls of South Africa begin their defence of the Super 14 title with a Friday night match against the Central Cheetahs in Bloemfontein when the 2010 tournament kicks off on February 12.

The match is one of six national derbies on the opening weekend.

The opening day of the new season gets underway in Auckland where the inaugural Super 12 champions, the Blues, host North Island rivals the Hurricanes.

The Australian season kicks off in Perth with the Western Force hosting the ACT Brumbies.

The first Saturday of the tournament - February 13 - starts with a South Island derby in Christchurch where the Crusaders welcome the Highlanders while the Reds and Waratahs are immediately in their traditional battle for bragging rights in Brisbane.

The two remaining opening round matches are in South Africa with the Lions hosting the Stormers in Johannesburg while the Chiefs begin the 2010 tournament where they ended in the final of the 2009 edition - with a return to the Republic to take on the Sharks in Durban.

The 16-week competition concludes with semi-finals on the weekend of May 21/22 and the final a week later on May 29.