THE GOLDEN RULE
Coaches in favour of clear winners when Super Rugby resumes next month
Drawn matches in Super Rugby Aotearoa could be decided by a period of golden point extra time. The 10-week domestic competition involving all five New Zealand teams is set to kick off on June 13. And when it does, it may well be with the tie-breaker in place.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger confirmed New Zealand Rugby had tabled the “golden point” idea.
Mauger said he was a big fan of the proposal.
“It’s a great idea. Great for the spectacle and you get a clear winner or loser.
“It will come down to moments, so our ability to stay on for 80 minutes-plus is going to be key.”
The system would the same as that used in rugby league’s NRL.
In the event of a draw after normal time, teams get a one-minute break before an extra 10 minutes of play.
The first team to score points via any method in that period wins, with no points by either team then resulting in a draw.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said the fact the competition winner would be decided on straight points, with no playoffs, meant he was behind the concept.
“If there’s a number of draws, it can actually disadvantage a team quite heavily.
“It brings a bit of excitement, it’s something new. It’s a brutal competition so an extra 10 minutes is going to be more entertaining for everyone, as well as test the depth of your squad. “Yep, great call.”
● One-cap All Blacks prospect Braydon Ennor has re-committed to New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders on a deal that will see him stay in New Zealand until 2023.
The 22-yearold utility back has featured regularly for the Crusaders since making his Super Rugby debut in 2018, playing a key role from either centre or wing as the Christchurch club won three Super Rugby championships in a row.
Ennor’s rapid rise led to a maiden All Blacks call up in 2019, with the former New Zealand U20 making his test debut against Argentina in Buenos Aires. — RNZ