The ACT Brumbies will have a chance to gain redemption for this year's finals exit when they host the Hurricanes in a blockbuster start to the Super Rugby season.
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The Brumbies have been given every opportunity to be a title contender next year with a favourable fixture, which includes eight games at Canberra Stadium and seven on the road in the revamped 18-team competition.
The highlights of the Brumbies' draw include:
- Two massive games to kick off the season at home against last season's beaten grand finalists, the Hurricanes, and arch rivals, the NSW Waratahs;
- A three-week road trip from rounds 3-5 starting in Perth against the Western Force and followed by two games in South Africa against the Stormers in Cape Town and the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein;
- Hosting the Crusaders on Anzac Day weekend on a Sunday afternoon game on April 24. It's the Brumbies' only home day game of the season;
- Taking on the new Japan team at Canberra Stadium in round 14;
- Only two trips to New Zealand, avoiding playing Argentina, the Lions, the Sharks and the Kings and no visit to Brisbane, playing the Reds and Rebels only once next season.
Under the new competition format, the Brumbies play six games against Australian teams, five against New Zealand teams and only four against teams from one of the two South African pools.
Brumbies assistant coach Dan McKellar says while getting results against the Hurricanes and the Waratahs was going to be tough, it's the also perfect chance to gain momentum before heading on the road.
"We're really happy with the draw to be able to start the season at home for the first two weeks," McKellar said.
"It's always important to get those early results early in the year as its proven this year.
"It'll certainly be a goal to win all of our home games and pick up what we can on the road."
After beating the Stormers in Cape Town in the first week of the finals, the Brumbies were defeated 29-9 by the Hurricanes in Wellington in the preliminary final.
The Hurricanes then lost 21-14 to the Highlanders in the decider.
The Brumbies play six of their final 10 games at home, however the game against the Crusaders on April 24 is their only day-time fixture.
"Ideally for our supporters, the day game against the Crusaders this year was a great day, really good conditions and we got our best crowd on the back of that," McKellar said.
"But Fox Sports are the ones that pump the money into the game (through television rights) and they decide what time you play.
"I think there are benefits to us playing night games in Canberra, we don't want to make it too comfortable for the opposition."
Canberra fans will also be able to see the new Japan team for the first time.
Japan is still riding high after causing a massive boilover of South Africa at the World Cup last week.
"They'll be fit, they'll be fast and they're very skilful," McKellar said.
"Physically, they're probably not at the same level as Australian, New Zealand and South African sides, but they will be well coached.
"As South Africa showed the other day, if you take them lightly, they will beat you.
"Their Super Rugby side will be filled with most of their national team, so it's one of those danger games."
Having the trip to Perth immediately before the two-week tour of South Africa will reduce the travel stress on the Brumbies.
"It's a good thing. Going to Perth first certainly breaks the trip up," McKellar said.
"In the last two years, we've gone to South Africa later in the year, so it's not a bad thing to go over there early on and get that part of the season ticked off."
ACT Brumbies 2016 Super Rugby fixture (in Canberra time).
Round 1: Friday, February 26: Brumbies v Hurricanes at Canberra Stadium, 7.40pm.
Round 2: Friday, March 4: Brumbies v Waratahs at Canberra Stadium, 7.40pm.
Round 3: Friday, March 11: Western Force v Brumbies at nib Stadium, Perth, 10.05pm.
Round 4: Sunday, March 20: Stormers v Brumbies at Newlands, Cape Town, 4.10am.
Round 5: Sunday, March 27: Cheetahs v Brumbies at Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, 12am.
Round 6: Sunday, April 2: Brumbies v Chiefs at Canberra Stadium, 7.40pm.
Round 7: Bye
Round 8: Saturday, April 16: Waratahs v Brumbies at Allianz Stadium, Sydney, 7.40pm.
Round 9 (Anzac Day weekend): Sunday, April 24: Brumbies v Crusaders at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm.
Round 10: Saturday, April 30: Highlanders v Brumbies. Venue TBC, 3.15pm.
Round 11: Friday, May 6: Brumbies v Bulls at Canberra Stadium, 7.40pm.
Round 12: Friday, May 13: Rebels v Brumbies at AAMI Park, Melbourne, 7.40pm.
Round 13: Bye
Round 14: Saturday, May 28: Brumbies v Japan at Canberra Stadium, 7.40pm.
Round 15: Friday, July 1: Brumbies v Reds at Canberra Stadium, 7.40pm.
Round 16: Friday, July 8: Blues v Brumbies at Eden Park, Auckland, 5.35pm.
Round 17: Saturday, July 16: Brumbies v Force at Canberra Stadium, 7.40pm.
