Hookers: Codie Taylor, Brodie McAlister, Andrew Makalio, Locks: Scott Barrett, Quentin Strange, Mitchell Dunshea, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Loose forwards Cullen Grace, Tom Sanders, Ethan Blackadder, Sione Havili, Whetu Douglas, Tom Christie. Coach Leon MacDonald has been at the helm since 2019 when he took over from another former All Black, Tana Umaga, now the team’s defence coach. Run private leagues with friends and play on the web or download our iOS and Android apps. Halfbacks: Mitch Drummond, Ere Enari, Bryn Hall, First fives: Richie Mo’unga, Brett Cameron. 2021 Super rugby Aotearoa draw. RugbyPass will live stream Super Rugby Aotearoa matches in the UK and Ireland after teaming up with New Zealand Rugby and here is the lowdown on the five sides competing for the title. The 28-year-old lock had his best season for both club and country in 2020; his leadership credentials have been enhanced while a “no excuses” mentality has seen his performance levels climb steadily higher. ROUND ONE: Highlanders v Crusaders (Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa - 2021) The Crusaders have got off to a winning start in … The wing/full-back has been wowing crowds since he was a schoolboy and scored eight tries in ten games for Taranaki in the Mitre 10 Cup last year. Hurricanes vs. Blues. It is Richie Mo’unga who makes this team tick, though. Prediction methodology explained: The expected win percentage is based off publicly available odds. Bye. “I think fans will be intrigued to see who comes out on top in 2021 in what will be another unique season, firstly with Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa, then through to the separate Sky Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition.”. The other brothers are Scott and Jordie Barrett (Crusaders & Hurricanes), Peter and Thomas Umaga-Jensen (Hurricanes & Highlanders), Ofa and Isi Tuungafasi (Blues & Crusaders), Jack and Josh Goodhue (Crusaders & Blues), Ngane and Isaiah Punivai (Highlanders & Crusaders), Bailyn and Zarn Sullivan (Chiefs & Blues), Jackson and Connor Garden-Bachop (Hurricanes & Highlanders), Sione and Tevita Mafileo (Chiefs & Hurricanes), and Daniel and Anton Leinert-Brown (Highlanders & Chiefs). The squad also features the return of former All Blacks loose forward Liam Square following a season in Japan. To view the full list of 2021 Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa squads click HERE. Official team lists and injury news for this week's round of Super Rugby Aotearoa. Squad news Former All Blacks wing Julian Savea returns to the Hurricanes to join up with brother Ardie after two years at Toulon in France, while Lolagi Visinia and Pepesana Patafilo are other new recruits out wide. Highlanders will welcome defending champions Crusaders in the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa on Feb. 26 after New Zealand Rugby (NZR) … 4:32am, 26 February 2021. So gains can be made attacking-wise. Enjoy the luxury of home delivery and never miss an issue <<. With that sort of percentage rate, it’s no surprise that they have a strong driving maul. 3 days ago. ROUND ONE: Hurricanes v Blues (Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa - 2021) The Blues have got their Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign off to the best…. Stat attack Despite finishing second last year, the Blues were bottom in several stats charts: clean breaks (55), carries (669 – more than 200 fewer than the next lowest), metres made (2,149), defenders beaten (118) and offloads (57). Super Rugby 2021 teams: Round three AU and round two Aotearoa line-ups announced If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Live Stream: Watch Online Here. “It’s great to see such settled squads and I think we are going to see another closely contested competition similar to what played out in 2020. Can’t get to the shops? New Zealand will reprise the domestic Super Rugby Aotearoa competition in 2021, with no Australian or Pacific islands teams involved, the chairman of the national governing body said. For example, if a team’s odds are 2.30, the expected chance of winning is 43%. Evans (Hawke’s Bay), who has previously played for the Blue and Hurricanes, returns to Sky Super Rugby for the first time since 2009. Nehe Milner-Skudder in Highlanders colours (Getty Images). The lowdown on the five New Zealand franchises, Crusaders fly-half Richie Mo'unga performs a haka after last year's title win (Getty Images). Squad news Japan back-row Kazuki Himeno is their big signing and while Covid has meant he only arrived in NZ in early February, he should make a big impact with his carries and link play. Remember what he did to Beauden Barrett last year?! @SuperRugbyNZ returns for another season of unmissable rugby, from Feb 26! Stat attack The Highlanders won 91% of their lineouts in 2020 – better than any other team in the Australia and New Zealand competitions. If the odds are 1.62 the expected chance of winning is 62% and so on. Super Rugby Aotearoa back for 2021. Stat attack The Hurricanes made 109 clean breaks last season – the only franchise to surpass the three-figure mark – and only the Crusaders scored more tries than them (25 to 27). Event: Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra breaks own national record The Brumbies won the inaugural Super Rugby AU in 2020 . After four years of successive titles, it’s unsurprising to again see the Crusaders rank as firm favourites to claim the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa title on the eve of the competition’s kick-off. Sat 6 Mar 7:05pm (NZ) Round 3. Super Rugby Aotearoa Team Guide 2021 This year’s Super Rugby Aotearoa season kicks off this weekend with defending champions the Crusaders travelling to the Highlanders on Friday and the Hurricanes hosting the Blues on Saturday. The Final once again will be hosted by the team that finishes top of the ladder after the 10-round regular season, and they will play the winner … The full-back’s creativity, as well as his goalkicking, will be needed again this season if the Chiefs are to break their duck and rise up the standings. TO. Kick-off: 6 th March 2021. Super Rugby Aotearoa & AU 2021: Predictions for Friday 26-27 February. ADVERTISEMENT. Share. Key player Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea both had great 2020s, but Ngani Laumape is the one that brings X-factor to the Canes’ back-line. Hookers: Ray Niuia, James Parsons, Soane Vikena, Props: Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, James Lay, Marcel Renata, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Locks: Gerard Cowley-Tuioti , Sam Darry, Josh Goodhue, Jacob Pierce (North Harbour), Patrick Tuipulotu, Loose forwards: Blake Gibson, Dillon Hunt, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Taine Plumtree, Tom Robinson, Hoskins Sotutu, Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Jonathan Ruru, Inside backs: Otere Black, Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer, Midfield: TJ Faiane, Rieko Ioane, Tanielu Tele’a, Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Jone Macilai-Tori, Emoni Narawa, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Zarn Sullivan, Mark Telea, Hookers: Nathan Harris, Bradley Slater, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Props: Sione Mafileo, Atunaisa Moli, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Locks: Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord, Laghlan McWhannell, Tupou Vaa’i, Loose Forwards: Kaylum Boshier, Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Sam Cane, Pita Gus Sowakula, Luke Jacobson, Mitchell Karpik, Simon Parker, Halfbacks: Xavier Roe, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Brad Weber, First five-eighths: Bryn Gatland, Rivez Reihana, Kaleb Trask, Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Alex Nankivell, Bailyn Sullivan, Quinn Tupaea, Outside backs: Jonah Lowe, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson, Chase Tiatia, Sean Wainui, Props: Pouri Rakete-Stones, Alex Fidow, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Fraser Armstrong, Tevita Mafileo. Announced on 11 November 2020, the tournament will be the second season of Super Rugby Aotearoa, featuring the 5 New Zealand Super Rugby sides, and will run from 26 February to 8 May 2021. By wwos Last updated Mar 4, 2021. Time: Friday at 7:05pm. (Reuters) - Brief profiles of the five teams in New Zealand's Super Rugby Aotearoa competition, which kicks off on Friday: ... Rugby 24 Feb 2021 Crusaders to set the pace in Super Rugby Aotearoa … Otago prop Josh Hohneck (Highlanders), and Hawke’s Bay wing Lolagi Visinia (Hurricanes), also return to Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa after lengthy absences overseas. Despite New Zealand’s ongoing stand-off with Rugby … 1:15pm, 23 February 2021. George Bridge will miss the start of the season with a pectoral problem while centre Braydon Ennor is out with a long-term knee injury. Defending Sky Super Rugby champions, and Tū Kōtahi Aotearoa trophy holders, the Crusaders brought in four Canterbury Mitre 10 Cup players in 20-old props Fletcher Newell and new Maori All Black Williams as well as versatile backs Fihaki and Isaiah Punivai. The 2021 Super Rugby season is the 26th season of Super Rugby, an annual men’s international rugby union tournament organised by SANZAAR, involving teams from Australia and New Zealand.. Watch every match of the 2021 Super Rugby Live & On-Demand on Kayo. Interim Head Coach Clayton McMillan has ushered in seven rookies including towering Taranaki 2.02m lock Lord and the Waikato halves combination of Roe and Reihana. 7:05pm Friday, February 26. Experience and continuity run through the 2021 Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa squads announced today with just 26 rookies across New Zealand’s five clubs and just nine player transfers. There is good news in the second row, with Scott Barrett back after missing last season through injury and Sam Whitelock involved from the off after his early return from Japan midway through 2020 that saw him able to take part in last year’s Aotearoa campaign. Their Super Rugby Aotearoa opener on Friday is Clayton McMillan’s first match as the new Chiefs coach and two months of pre-season are done and dusted after their bye in last weekend’s opening round.. Pick a Super Rugby Aotearoa squad of 23 rugby players then select a starting XV for each round. Super Rugby Aotearoa Team Guide 2021. WEEK. Sports. To view the full list of 2021 Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa squads click HERE: The rookie class of 2021 includes the youngest player, Auckland hooker Soane Vikena, who joins the Blues at 19-years, 5 months and one day old, more than 17 years younger than the oldest contracted player - two-Test All Black lock and newly minted Highlander Bryn Evans. Official team lists and injury news for this week's round of Super Rugby Aotearoa. New Zealand Rugby General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum said the squads pointed to another thrilling edition of Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa. Crusaders fly-half Richie Mo'unga performs a haka after last year's title win (Getty Images) TAGS: Highlight. His tactical nous will be vital in guiding a back-line that doesn’t have the international experience of other franchises. Rugby Australia has also announced the 2021 Super Rugby AU season draw with 22 games over 12 action-packed weekends, kicking off on 19 February and concluding with the Final on 8 May. The Super Rugby Aotearoa trophy is called Tū Kōtahi Aotearoa (Stand As One New Zealand) and was created by Wellington carver Bill Doyle. #unmissable pic.twitter.com/muwoSGPxtY, — Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) February 19, 2021. Vikena is one of 12 rookies to have come through the New Zealand Under 20s programme. Sky Stadium, Wellington. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 19, is a new signing to look out for. New Zealand continued the format that had been used the previous year and played a local season among the 5 Super Rugby teams. They are without half-back TJ Perenara, who is playing for NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in Japan this year, while wings Ben Lam and Kobus van Wyk have both headed to Europe. Test props Nepo Laulala (NZ) and James Lay (Samoa) come into the squad while flanker Dillon Hunt, who impressed for the Highlanders last year and made a record 100 tackles across the season, has joined on a two-year deal. The livewire wing, who should suit Brown’s style of play, signed last May but was kept on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury before making his rugby return in the Mitre 10 Cup. The fly-half, NZ’s Super Rugby Player of the Year and the top point-scorer in 2020, dictates the tempo the Crusaders play at and has the vision, as well as the range of kicks and passes, to provide dangerous backs like Will Jordan, Sevu Reece and Jack Goodhue with scoring opportunities. Midfield: Jack Goodhue, Fergus Burke, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Outside backs: Chay Fihaki, George Bridge, Manasa Mataele, Sevu Reece, David Havili, Will Jordan, Leicester Faingaanuku, Isaiah Punivai, Props: Ayden Johnstone, Siate Tokolahi, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jeff Thwaites, Ethan de Groot, Jermaine Ainsley, Josh Hohneck, Hookers: Ricky Jackson, Ash Dixon, Liam Coltman, Locks: Pari Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Maanaki Selby-Rickit, Bryn Evans, Loose forwards: Billy Harmon, James Lentjes, Shannon Frizell, Marino Mikaele Tu'u, Sione Misiloi, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Liam Squire, Kazuki Himeno, Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, Kayne Hammington, Folau Fakatava, Midfield: Fetuli Paea, Sio Tomkinson, Thomas Umaga Jensen, Ngane Punivai, Outside backs: Nehe Milner Skudder, Connor Garden Bachop, Scott Gregory, Jona Nareki, Solomon Alaimalo, Michael Collins, Sam Gilbert, Vilimoni Koroi. To view the full list of 2021 Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa squads click HERE. Date published: February 24 2021. They conceded twice as many as they scored (28 to 14), so improvements are needed with and without the ball. Won: Chiefs 18, Highlanders 16, 1 draw TV Coverage: Fox Sports, SuperSport. There wasn’t much to catch the eye during that campaign, but Damian McKenzie still did his best to spark the team’s attack into life – his 99 carries the most of anyone in the competition. Coach With Warren Gatland’s British & Irish Lions commitments taking precedence this year, Clayton McMillan steps up as interim head coach. This year’s Super Rugby Aotearoa season kicks off this weekend with defending champions the Crusaders travelling to the Highlanders on Friday and the Hurricanes hosting the Blues on Saturday. A total of 193 contracted players have been named across the Blues, Gallagher Chiefs, Crusaders, Highlanders and Hurricanes with the Blues and Chiefs each still to add one additional player. Warren’s son Bryn Gatland, a fly-half, has also signed. Super Rugby teams news 2021 AU Aotearoa NSW Waratahs v Western Force. Follow Rugby World on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Premium Sport Rugby Cricket America's Cup 2021 Racing Netball Joseph Parker v Junior Fa League Football Super Rugby Athletics ... Rugby Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021… The rookie class of 2021 includes the youngest player, Auckland hooker Soane Vikena, who joins the Blues at 19-years, 5 months and one day old, more than 17 years younger than the oldest contracted player - two-Test All Black lock and newly minted Highlander Bryn Evans. Rene Ranger and Josh McKay come in as injury cover and there are four arrivals from the academy – Chay Fihaki, Fletcher Newell, Isaiah Punivai and Tamaiti Williams. But in 2021 Japanese team Sunwolves will be abandon their name from super rugby tournament. New Zealand’s round-robin competition will end with a final on 8 May and they are then due to play in […]