Wellington - The June tour by the British and Irish Lions will cut a swathe through the 2013 Super 15 rugby season, disrupting and potentially distracting Australian clubs trying to atone for last year's disappointing performances.
Only one Australian club - the 2011 champion Reds - reached the playoffs of last season's tournament as injuries raised issues of depth and experience which reverberated through Australia's international season.
The Lions tour will severely test the strength of Australian rugby, but the Super 15 will more thoroughly examine its health, showing whether it can continue to support five clubs without too heavily diluting its talent.