As the weekend nears and we get ready for a return to rugby and the opening round of the all-new Super Rugby Aotearoa, here's a look at the full match replay of a corresponding fixture in the opening round of the 2006 Super Rugby tournament.
The most anticipated match in the opening round of the new 2020 tournament, amended due to the coronavirus pandemic, sees the Blues host the Hurricanes in Auckland.
On Saturday, it's the Highlanders versus the Chiefs to kick things off but the Sunday match is full of intrigue and hype mainly due to the fact that Beauden Barrett will play his first match for the Blues, after representing the Hurricanes for so many years.
Back in 2006, the Blues hosted the Hurricanes in a match that was jampacked with stars.
The home team had the likes of Kevan Mealamu, Ali Williams, Joe Rokocoko, Luke McAlister, Doug Howlett, Isa Nacewa and Ben Atiga in action, while the Hurricanes fielded a potent backline with familiar faces such as Peri Weepu, Ma'a Nonu, Tana Umaga, Conrad Smith and Lome Fa'atau.
Up front, the 'Canes had Jason Eaton making his debut, while they had the formidable loose trio of Jerry Collins, Chris Masoe and Rodney So'oialo.
While the weather played it's part, it's an enjoyable throwback and should get you in the mood for this weekend's action.
SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA OPENING ROUND:
13 June Highlanders v Chiefs 7:05 PM (NZ time)
14 June Blues v Hurricanes 3:35 PM (NZ time)
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