Turbos to start their season at home

The Manawatu¯ Turbos kick off their Mitre 10 Cup campaign with two home games.

New Zealand Rugby have released the provincial competition’s draw and another highlight for the Turbos is a potential Ranfurly Shield challenge in week four.

This year’s Mitre 10 Cup has been extended by a week and Wednesday night rugby and doubleheader weeks are no more.

The Turbos’ season begins with a home match against Hawke’s Bay at 4.35pm on Sunday, August 11.

The annual grudge match has some added spice given new Turbos coach Peter Russell will make his debut against the province he coached from 2007-11.

Manawatu¯ host Taranaki in derby week of the competition, on Saturday, August 17 at 2.05pm.

In week five, Manawatu¯ face Northland on Thursday September 5, at 7.35pm at Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North, with revenge sure to be on the Turbos’ minds after their performance against the Taniwha¯ last season,

In week eight, the Turbos take on Premiership opponents North Harbour on Sunday, September 29 at 4.35pm.

The final home match of the season is against Counties Manukau in Palmerston North on Saturday, October 12 at 5.05pm.

The highlight of the Turbos’ away schedule comes on August 30, when they will potentially challenge Otago for the Ranfurly Shield.

Otago will have just one challenge against a Mitre 10 Cup side – Southland in week two – prior to their game against Manawatu¯ .

The Turbos’ first away match comes in week three against Tasman, on August 24.

The other away fixtures are Southland (September 14), Canterbury (September 19) and Bay of Plenty (October 5).

The Mitre 10 Cup semifinals are scheduled for October 18 and 19 and the Championship final is on October 26. - Manawatu¯ Rugby Union