LIVE RUGBY: It's great for the game
SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand will get a head start on other countries when rugby resumes later this week.
Super Rugby Aotearoa, New Zealand’s new domestic competition, will see the five Kiwi franchises do battle over the next 10 weeks – starting with the Highlanders against the Chiefs in Dunedin on Saturday, June 13.
A day later the Blues host the Hurricanes in Auckland,
That is at least three weeks ahead of Australia’s return to rugby.
It is planned that the Super Rugby AU competition will kick off on July 3, but a broadcast agreement remains the major hurdle for that to occur – according to a report on Rugby Australia’s official website, rugby.com.au.
However, it is some of the new law initiatives that are causing the biggest buzz.
Chiefs coach Warren Gatland said he was ‘excited’ about the law trials to be used.
The new innovations include golden point and the ability to replace players following a red card.
It is the ‘golden point’ initiative that Gatland is most looking forward to.
We’re getting closer with only 6 days to go until Super Rugby Aotearoa kicks off in New Zealand. Who will you be supporting, let us know in the comments below? #SuperRugby #Aotearoa #Rugby pic.twitter.com/qu6ubojIvz
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) June 7, 2020
“I know Rugby League has been doing it for a long time and there is nothing wrong with looking at other sports and seeing what’s working well for them,”Gatland told allblacks.com.
“It’s been a huge success in Rugby League and if it can be successful in this competition maybe they’ll embrace that and use it going forward. We can all benefit and learn from each other and these are positive initiatives.”
The other aspect that will be the talk of town this week is the return of Dan Carter, who is set to feature for the Blues against the Hurricanes.
Carter’s return to New Zealand follows another All Black’s Aaron Cruden’s arrival earlier this year.
Cruden will feature for the Chiefs in Saturday’s opener.
“I think it’s brilliant,” Gatland said about Carter’s return, adding: “It’s great for the game, great for media, the fans, and the sponsors.
“It’s just going to create some interest.
“We’ve seen with us with Aaron just that calm voice, experience and seeing things from a different perspective that sometimes young players don’t see.
“He will be good for the Blues in terms of not just the No.10’s but also a lot of players.
“He [Carter] has got a world of experience, success wherever he’s been.
“It’s a good signing for the Blues and it’s good for New Zealand rugby to have that experience and calibre come in and contribute.”
Source: allblacks.com
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