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Kai Schwoerer / Getty Images
The Crusaders celebrate after taking the inaugural Super Rugby Aotearoa title after beating the Highlanders.
Defending champion Crusaders will take on the Highlanders in a southern blockbuster to launch season two of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Features of the Super Rugby Aotearoa draw announced Tuesday night include the introduction of a one-on-two final on May 8 for the Tū Kōtahi Aotearoa trophy. A double round-robin will be used again with each side playing eight rounds and with two byes.
The competition begins on February 26 with the Highlanders hosting the Crusaders in a South Island showdown at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.
In the other first round clash, the Hurricanes face the Blues at Wellington’s Sky Stadium on February 27 and the Chiefs have a first round goodbye.
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In 2021 there will be four kickoffs for the whole family on Sunday afternoon, two at Eden Park in Auckland and one at Sky Stadium and Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch.
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However, the All Blacks coach says he thinks Ofa Tuungafasi’s red card is moot.
New Zealand Rugby High Performance Chief Mike Anthony confirmed that the All Blacks would be available from the first round.
“The subsequent start date of Sky Sport Super Rugby Aotearoa means that our players will be ready to go to the starting line, which is a good result for everyone. From a high performance standpoint, it will once again provide us with an ideal platform to evaluate our best gaming talents in high-quality competition. “
Kai Schwoerer / Getty Images
Crusaders and Highlanders will meet in the opening match of Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021.
NZR general manager for professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum said the 2021 season would build on the excitement generated by the first edition of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Lendrum confirmed that NZR was working closely with Rugby Australia on a trans-Tasmanian competition and would announce details shortly.
“We saw how exciting this home / away format was last year, and all five teams now know what it takes to compete and win each week. With the availability of the All Blacks locked up for the first round, there will be fireworks from the opening whistle, ”Lendrum said.
Hannah Peters / Getty Images
Crusaders captain Codie Taylor and his team released the inaugural version of Super Rugby Aotearoa this year.
“It’s great to have some certainty for the fans, players and partners after a year of uncertainty. Confirming the 2021 draw is a significant milestone and a positive step for rugby in New Zealand. “
No finals were held this season with the Crusaders declared champions, finishing on top with 30 points, six more than runner-up Blues.
The last round of the summit of the table clash between the sides was canceled after the government chose to keep Auckland at alert level 3 blocked.
The Blues will host the Crusaders in 2021 on March 21 at Eden Park and the parties will meet again in Christchurch on April 25.
Masanori Udagawa / Getty Images
The Hurricanes and Blues will collide in the other game of the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa next year.
TAKE A LOOK:
Important data of Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021:
– 2021 will be the second edition of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
– There will be 20 free-for-all matches in which each team will meet twice at home and away.
– The 2021 season will include the addition of a 1v2 final to decide the champion on May 8.
– The Crusaders are the defending champions after finishing top at the end of a 2020 free-for-all tournament, six points ahead of the Blues.
-The Super Rugby Aotearoa trophy is called Tū Kōtahi Aotearoa (Stand As One New Zealand) and was created by Wellington carver Bill Doyle.
The full draw for 2021 can be found here:
