New details of 'Super Round' released for Super Rugby's Trans-Tasman competition
Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium could host every Australian and New Zealand Super Rugby team over one weekend in a Trans-Tasman Super Round next year.
The draw for the combined 10-team competition, to be played after both countries contest their respective domestic competitions, was released on Monday.
A five-round fixture from May 14 will culminate in a June 19 final, while all sides will play games in one location over one weekend - Friday and Saturday, May 28-29.
The location is yet to be announced although Suncorp Stadium, which has held the NRL's equivalent initiative in recent years, is free of rugby league action on those dates.
Rugby Australia boss Rob Clarke said a host selection process for the Super Round will begin shortly.
Regardless, all teams will play at least two home games and two away games, with all 26 matches available live on Stan and one per round shown on the Nine Network.
"The confirmation of the draw is another step in the right direction for our game and it's exciting to see all the pieces come together," Clarke said.
"It's a brand-new competition which will generate renewed excitement and re-ignite many historic rivalries.
"The Super Round is a fantastic and innovative addition; we will shortly be launching a host selection process and I have no doubt it will become one of the hottest tickets in town."
Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Draw
Round One
* Highlanders v Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs v Hurricanes (Friday May 14)
* Crusaders v Brumbies, Melbourne Rebels v Blues, Western Force v Chiefs (Saturday May 15)
Round Two
* Hurricanes v Melbourne Rebels, Western Force v Highlanders (Friday May 21)
* Blues v NSW Waratahs, Chiefs v Brumbies, Queensland Reds v Crusaders (Saturday May 22)
Round Three
* Brumbies v Blues, Hurricanes v Western Force, Melbourne Rebels v Highlanders, Queensland Reds v Chiefs, NSW Waratahs v Crusaders (Super Round TBC)
Round Four
* Crusaders v Western Force, Queensland Reds v Blues (Friday June 4)
* Chiefs v Melbourne Rebels, Highlanders v NSW Waratahs, Brumbies v Hurricanes (Saturday June 5)
Round Five
* Hurricanes v Queensland Reds, Brumbies v Highlanders (Friday June 11)
* Melbourne Rebels v Crusaders, Blues v Western Force, NSW Waratahs v Chiefs (Saturday June 12)
Final
Saturday June 19
Latest Comments
Hard to disagree with the 5 points - with the exception that Wilson should be a squad member but, depending on the other loose forward selections, is not yet a shoo-in. McReight is. Aussie is looking a lot better this year and JS has some selection options. Also, Havili’s tendency to get caught, charged down is also a liability at times but he seemed focused (mostly) and is definitely a consideration for utility back-up. Still feel Reihana is a better prospect at 1st five for Saders.
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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