A fresh looking Super Rugby introduces fan-friendly initiatives and a simplified finals system so what are the five main things we learnt from the draw?
The Blues narrowly came out on top over the Highlanders as they edged a hugely physical battle 23-15 to clinch the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman crown in front of a crowd of 36 000 at Eden Park.
In a major step for Pacific Island rugby, Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Druahave been granted conditional licences to join a planned new competition next year.
The Highlanders fought back from 20-6 down to beat the Chiefs 39-23 at the Waikato Stadium and secure their first Super Rugby Aotearoa victory of the season.
NZ Rugby has announced the Crusaders Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa Round 2 match against the Hurricanes will be delayed by one day in a bid to allow fans to attend the match.