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Report: Super Rugby Aotearoa to return in 2021 - with a twist

By Online Editors
(Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

Super Rugby Aotearoa was always intended as a one-off, stop-gap measure to fill the rugby void created due to the global coronavirus pandemic. The ongoing impacts of the pandemic mean that the competition could return next season, however.

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While New Zealand Rugby were originally hoping to have their newly created competition up and running in 2021, the ongoing back and forth with Rugby Australia coupled with the lack of certainty surrounding international travel appears to have forced the governing body’s hand, according to reports from Newshub.

The five-team NZ-only competition proved a huge hit with fans but reception from the players was mixed, with the tough physical derbies proving exceptionally hard on the body.

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According to Newshub, Super Rugby Aotearoa will return next year but there’s also a very real possibility of a Pacific side being included in the competition. Despite an even number of teams allowing for the season to run without byes, NZR would likely retain the two rest weekends for each team to prevent burnout.

In Australia, Super Rugby AU would also be played with the same format as this season – including three knockout matches at the tail-end of the season. Given the negative reception to the lack of a grand final in New Zealand, it would come as no surprise if NZR introduced at least one play-off match to decide the champion at the end of the regular season.

Following the two respective competitions, a crossover tournament between the two competitions is likely to be played.

Were that the case this year, and the New Zealand teams were each seeded and played off against the corresponding side from Australia, the draw would likely be as follows:

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Crusaders v Brumbies
Blues v Reds
Hurricanes v Rebels
Highlanders v Waratahs
Chiefs v Western Force

Sign-off on next year’s competition is expected within the next fortnight.

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Bull Shark 23 minutes ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically. I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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