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After an unscheduled break of around 13-weeks, rugby roars back into life this weekend when the new-look New Zealand Aotearoa tournament kicks off.
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In the first match-up on Saturday at 09:05 SA time, the Highlanders will host the Chiefs in Dunedin, while on Sunday the Blues welcome the Hurricanes to Auckland (05:35 SA time).
The 10-time Super Rugby champion Crusaders have a bye in Round 1.
The tournament will also introduce a number of rule 'tweaks' which will no doubt make for a better spectacle - especially around the breakdown, offsides line and the issuing of red cards.
To help clarify the changes, New Zealand Rugby Referee Manager Bryce Lawrence and referee Paul Williams (below) explain the new rules that will be implemented during the tournament.
Lawrence will be familiar, despite his new bearded Covid-19 lockdown appearance, to Springbok fans, particularly for his performance - or lack thereof - in the 2011 Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Australia in Wellington, a Test the Wallabies won 11-9.
READ | Weekend teams: Super Rugby Aotearoa - Round 1
NOTE: If the video won't open for you, click HERE
