Super Rugby

The Crusaders opened the scoring with a penalty kick to hometown hero David Havili in the 10th minute and never relinquished the lead for the rest of the match.

Wingers Will Jordan and Leicester Faingaanuku and midfielder Braydon Ennor all scored tries in the first half, while Waratahs first five Will Harrison kept his side in the match early with two penalties.

By halftime the Crusaders had a 24-6 lead and looked to be cruising as first five Richie Mo'unga kept the visitors guessing with his pin point cross field kicks and deft passing.

The Hurricanes made too many unforced errors in what was a forgettable performance from the New Zealand side, who tried to play a physical game that was not matched by skill.

They lost centre Billy Proctor and flank Vaea Fifita to yellow cards, while Riccitelli was also fortunate to escape sanction for his late hit on Kolisi.

The Stormers will be sweating over the fitness of Siya Kolisi who was forced off in the first half.

Waratahs coach Rob Penney hinted at a new centre signing some weeks ago and it was reported then that Lasila was reported to be on his way, the club only confirmed his addition on Thursday.

The Japanese Sevens international and former Tonga U23 player played under Penney at Japanese division two club Toyota and it was that relationship that brought him to NSW.

“Siosifa has a fantastic skill-set, he can play right across the backline and most importantly he’s a good team man who understands what we’re trying to build here at the [NSW] Waratahs,” Penney said.

Cane has co-captained alongside Charlie Ngatai, Aaron Cruden and Brodie Retallick for the past four seasons, but will take the reins on his own this year. 

"Sam has co-captained the Chiefs since 2016," explained Gatland. "He is an experienced campaigner who is well respected by the players and management. 

"We believe it was important to identify one person this season to lead the team and that individual would be supported by the team's leadership group."

When two high-risk tackle technique warnings have been issued, a player will automatically receive a one-match suspension.

World Rugby have introduced a set of law amendments which will be trialled at various tournaments this year in a bid to improve player safety and reduce the risk of injuries.

The trials were approved for the four-year law amendment review cycle that began after the 2019 World Cup following an analysis by the Law Review Group last March and several unions expressed interest in operating one or more of the trials.

He thinks.

If he’s being honest, Pasitoa doesn't know the detail because there was never a decision to be made between the two. He had never planned to go.

That’s what happens when you’re signed by a Super Rugby franchise while still in year 11 and have been eyeing off the slow arrival of your dream for a year.

"Week one of pre-season for me was, I believe, the week of schoolies for Queensland students,” Pasitoa said.

"But that’s cool, I would much rather be doing what I am doing. I am very grateful for the opportunity here.”

The franchise's facilities at the University of Canberra have been closed indefinitely as the bushfires devastating Australia cast a smoky pall over the nation's capital.

Some air quality stations in Canberra have been returning readings nearly three times above extremely hazardous levels.

With players set to return to training on Monday, ahead of round one in less than four weeks, the Brumbies said the air quality had become a player welfare issue.

Holland, who has been a successful and widely respected assistant coach at the Hurricanes since 2016, takes over his new role with immediate effect.

The 47-year-old has helped the Hurricanes make the Investec Super Rugby play-offs in every season he has been involved with the club, first as an assistant to Chris Boyd and then with Plumtree at the helm in 2019.

The former Manawatu and Taranaki representative enjoyed a successful playing career in New Zealand before he made 102 appearances for top Ireland club Munster between 1999 and 2008.

Flanker Kolisi, who captained the Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory in November, and World Rugby Player of the Year Du Toit have committed their futures to the Cape Town-based Super Rugby side until 2021.

Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi, Scarra Ntubeni, Frans Malherbe, Damian Willemse and Dillyn Leyds will also remain with the Stormers.

They finished bottom of the South African standings in 2019 and head coach John Dobson knows they must realise their potential after securing the services of such key men.

While their regular jersey is almost identical to that of 2019 they revealed a new-look yellow alternate kit that is a  far cry from last year's mainly blue strip.

The Brumbies wore a yellow jersey back in 2016 but have opted for predominantly blue away jerseys since then.

Next season's away kit is a dark gold with textured amber stripes across the main panel, with navy sleeves and side panels.

This year's return to yellow was in response to positive feedback over the look of the kit that the Brumbies reserves side, Brumbies Runners, wore in matches in 2019.