Waikato’s Draw for 2013 ITM Cup

Waikato will face five Ranfurly Shield challenges during the 2013 ITM Cup, starting with their ITM Cup opener against Northland on Saturday 17 August.

Assuming Waikato defend the shield in their two pre-season challenges (vs Horowhenua-Kapiti on July 17 at Morrinsville and vs East Coast on July 30 at Ruatoria) they will put the Log o' Wood on the line at Waikato Stadium against Northland, Otago, Auckland, Wellington and Taranaki.

Waikato's away games are Canterbury, Southland, Counties Manukau, Tasman and Bay of Plenty.

The ITM Cup for 2013 has been lengthened slightly which means each team will play just one mid week game instead of two. Waikato's short turn around comes in Weeks 7 and 8 when they will face Wellington, Tasman and Bay of Plenty in the space of nine days.

Waikato's Draw for 2013 ITM Cup:

Week 1: vs Northland (Ranfurly Shield) at Waikato Stadium - Saturday 17 August, 7.35pm

Week 2: vs Otago (Ranfurly Shield) at Waikato Stadium - Friday 23 August, 8.05pm

Week 3: vs Canterbury at AMI Stadium (Addington), Christchurch - Thursday 29 August, 7.35pm

Week 4: vs Southland at Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill -Friday 6 September, 6.05pm

Week 5: vs Auckland (Ranfurly Shield) at Waikato Stadium - Saturday 14 September, 2.35pm

Week 6: vs Counties Manukau at ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe - Saturday 21 September,  2.35pm

Week 7: vs Wellington (Ranfurly Shield) at Waikato Stadium - Friday 27 September, 7.35pm

Week 8: vs Tasman at Trafalgar Park, Nelson - Wednesday 2 October, 7.35pm

Week 8: vs Bay of Plenty at ASB Stadium, Bay Park, Tauranga - Saturday 5 October, 2.35pm

Week 9: vs Taranaki (Ranfurly Shield) at Waikato Stadium - Saturday 12 October, 7.35pm

Semifinals: Friday 18 October - Sunday 20 October

Finals: Friday 25 October and Saturday 26 October