VIDEO: Super Rugby 2018 - How it works

The Sothern Kings, Cheetahs and Western Force were axed from the competition after a convoluted and unpopular format in the last few seasons.

The 2018 re-structured 15-team tournament kicks-off in four weeks time on Saturday, February 17 in South Africa when the Stormers host the Jaguares in Cape Town. 

The Lions, runners-up the last two years, host the Sharks in Johannesburg, while the Bulls have a bye. 

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.

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