SYDNEY:

Super Rugby will mark its 30th anniversary next year with the first of 77 matches kicking off on February 13, officials said Thursday, while tweaks were made to its finals format.

The Canterbury Crusaders open the season against the Otago Highlanders in Dunedin after securing their 13th title with a 16-12 victory over the Waikato Chiefs this year.

"Thirty years on from the first Super Rugby season, the competition continues to deliver what makes it special -- world-class players, high-octane rugby and a connection to communities right across the Pacific," said Super Rugby chief Jack Mesley.

Each of the 11 teams in New Zealand and Australia's top club competition will play 14 matches across a 16-round regular season.

That is followed by a six-team finals series, which comes wit

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