THE Bulls face a tough road trip in next year’s Super 14 while the Sharks have a good draw that could set them up for an assault on the title.

The Sharks, South Africa’s sole semifinalists this year, start with a tricky away fixture against the Stormers but then head home to face the Lions in the second week. A four-match tour follows with matches against the Chiefs, Blues, Reds and the Western Force.

As tours go that’s as comfortable as it will be for South African teams. They also host the defending champions Crusaders, the Waratahs and Bulls, which could set the Durban boys up for a good season.

After starting with home matches against the Reds and Blues, the Bulls begin a five-match tour from hell in week six following a bye. They meet the Hurricanes, Highlanders, Crusaders, Waratahs and Brumbies in consecutive weeks.

The Stormers have a tough tour with three trips across the Tasman Sea for games against the Crusaders, Waratahs, Brumbies, Hurricanes and Highlanders.

Craig Ray

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