Coach Mark Hammett and his young band of Hurricanes left for South Africa at the weekend, with Hammett saying his side was well aware of the tough start to the season awaiting them in the Republic after all the talk, negative speculation and analysis surrounding Hammett's new look team they got on the plane ahead of their first game.

They get their chance at 4.05am on Sunday when they play the Stormers in Cape Town.

Hammett said that it doesn't matter if they are the most experienced side or the least experienced side, Africa is hard, so that's a positive challenge for his boys.

In the opening game on Friday the Crusaders takes on the Blues at Eden Park at 6.35pm and then at 8.40pm the Brumbies will face Western Force.

On Saturday at 6.35pm, the Chiefs face Highlanders while the Waratahs take on the Reds at 8.40pm.

Story by: Dreu Vukailagi