It will be the ultimate homecoming for Reds coach Brad Thorn, who was born in Mosgiel and played for the Highlanders back in 2013 and 2014.
In the weekend’s other fixtures, the Hurricanes are away to the Waratahs, the champion Crusaders host Super Rugby AU runners’ up, the Brumbies. The Blues travel to Melbourne to take on the Rebels and the Chiefs have the big trip to Perth to face Richard Kahui’s Western Force.
Here are your referees for Round 1.
Highlanders v Reds
Friday 14 May, 7:05pm
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant 1: James Doleman
Assistant 2: Angus Mabey
TMO: Mike Fraser
Waratahs v Hurricanes
Friday 14 May, 9:45pm
Sydney Cricket Ground
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant 1: Amy Perrett
Assistant 2: Angus Gardner
TMO: James Leckie
Crusaders v Brumbies
Saturday 15 May, 7:05pm
Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant 1: James Doleman
Assistant 2: Dan Waenga
TMO: Glenn Newman
Rebels v Blues
Saturday 15 May, 9:45pm
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant 1: Amy Perrett
Assistant 2: Reuben Keane
TMO: Ian Smith
Force v Chiefs
Saturday 15 May, 11:55pm
HBF Park, Perth
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant 1: Graham Cooper
Assistant 2: Jordan Way
TMO: Brett Cronan