New Zealand Rugby has confirmed two rule changes and one reinforced focus for the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.
New Zealand Herald reports that golden point tiebreakers and the ability for teams to replace red carded players after 20 minutes are the major changes for the 10-week New Zealand derby competition that kicks off next Saturday.
If a match is tied after 80 minutes of regular time, the result will be decided by golden point where the first team to score a drop goal, penalty kick, or a try will earn the win and the four competition points.
In another interesting change, players who receive a red card can be replaced with another player 20 minutes after they are sent from the field.
However, the sent-off player cannot return to the field and will face Sanzaar's existing judicial process.
New Zealand Rugby head of professional rugby, Chris Lendrum says Super Rugby Aotearoa provides an opportunity to trial innovations designed to make the game more exciting for fans and players alike.
The Highlanders will take on the Chiefs in the first match of the revised competition at 5.05pm next Saturday while the Hurricanes will face the Blues at 3.05pm Sunday.
[Source: NZ Herald]
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