Goal-line drop-outs and the ability to replace red carded players after 20 minutes are the two law innovations trialled by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Rugby Australia (RA) that will carry over to Sky Super Rugby Trans-Tasman when the new competition kicks off this weekend.
Stepping up in the white-hot atmosphere of a tight Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa final was something first five-eighths Richie Mo'unga enjoyed, and it proved decisive in Saturday's 24-13 win over the Chiefs in Christchurch.
Consistent success means the Crusaders should be well versed in celebrating finals victories, but Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa wins have been a problem for the Crusaders after both their winning efforts.
Crusaders' power rules again as a fifth consecutive Super Rugby title, and the second Super Rugby Aotearoa version, was secured in a stirring, frenetic, final 24-13 win over the Chiefs in Christchurch on Saturday.
Chiefs hunger and drive since shedding the losing streak at the start of the Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa competition will be a factor in Saturday's final against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson had no qualms in accepting Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan's claim that the defending Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa champions were under more pressure than the Chiefs in Saturday's final in Christchurch.