The Super Rugby Aotearoa competition reaches round six this weekend, with two matches in New Zealand continuing the post-lockdown rise. However, the loss of stars Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo and Liam Squire in previous campaigns has led to a leadership vacuum and a poor start to the 2020 season prior to lockdown with only one win in six games.They have talented young players coming through the ranks, but the Dunedin side, coached by Aaron Mauger#, may have a tournament racked with growing pains ahead of them.Ash Dixon, Liam Coltman, Ricky Jackson, Ethan de Groot, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Ayden Johnstone, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jeff Thwaites, Siate Tokolahi, Josh Dickson, Pari Pari Parkinson, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Jack Whetton, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Shannon Frizell, Dillon Hunt, Zane Kapeli, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Sione Misiloi, Jesse Parete, Folau Fakatava, Kayne Hammington, Aaron Smith, Bryn Gatland, Mitchell Hunt, Josh Ioane, Michael Collins, Ngane Punivai, Rob Thompson, Patelesio Tomkinson, Teihorangi Walden, Scott Gregory, Chris Kuridrani, Josh McKay, Tevita Nabura, Jona Nareki, Connor Garden-Bachop, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Vilimoni Koroi, Sam Gilbert, Nehe Milner-SkudderThe return of Ardie Savea is the much-talked about boost for the Hurricanes, having been ruled out for six months with a knee injury. Find out more. Super Rugby Aotearoa schedule The opening weekend of action will see the Highlanders and Chiefs collide in Dunedin, before the Blues and Hurricanes clash in Auckland the following day. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. The first team to score any points by a drop-goal, penalty or a try in the 10-minute period will win.
The strength in depth the Crusaders boast is impressive, as is the form over the past year or so of their backline.Richie Mo’unga, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge and Sevu Reece stand out in that department, while Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock lead a dynamic pack spurred on by breakthrough elements in New Zealand U20 stars Cullen Grace and Tom Christie who have shown excellent potential and form.The Christchurch side look well placed to maintain their grip on Super Rugby with a blend of experience and new talent.Andrew Makalio, Brodie McAlister, Codie Taylor, Michael Alaalatoa, Harry Allan, George Bower, Oliver Jager, Joe Moody, Isileli Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Mitchell Dunshea, Luke Romano, Quinten Strange, Samuel Whitelock, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Cullen Grace, Billy Harmon, Sione Havili Talitui, Ethan Roots, Tom Sanders, Mitchell Drummond, Ereatara Enari, Bryn Hall, Fergus Burke, Brett Cameron, Richie Mo’unga, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Dallas McLeod, George Bridge, David Havili, Inga Finau, Will Jordan, Manasa Mataele, Fetuli Paea, Leicester Faingaanuku, Sevu ReeceAaron Smith’s capable hands will spin the ball out to a backline full of surprise, including the likes of shock signing Nehe Milner-Skudder – Toulon’s loss is the Highlanders’ gain – conducted by either Josh Ioane or Mitch Hunt.
Times are SAST. Round One: 13 June – Highlanders 28-27 Chiefs 14 June – Blues 30-20 Hurricanes SuperXV is the leading UnOfficial Super Rugby site from Sports Digital Media and gives you all the latest Super Rugby news, Video Highlights plus comment on Super Rugby and the latest Rugby Championship News.Super Rugby news, fixtures & results. Where there is no value listed, the odds were not available at the time of writing. If you don’t have a subscription to Sky but want to watch the matches, you can get a NowTV pass for daily, monthly or mobile access – find out more here. 2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa fixtures New Zealand Super rugby teams compete in a tournament to be known as Super Rugby Aotearoa and is a New Zealand domestic format which includes the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders, and Highlanders. These are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change.