While sport around the world has returned to empty stadiums; New Zealand gave the world look into the future, with sold-out stadiums returning in time for the revamped Super Rugby competition. The New Zealand government ended COVID-19 restrictions with crowds celebrating to watch the first two games of the new season in Dunedin and Auckland.

New Zealand had reported no new COVID-19 cases for over 20 consecutive days and suffered only 22 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.

The lifting of the restrictions was cause for celebration. Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin saw 20,000 fans turn up to watch the Otago Highlanders do battle with the Waikato Chiefs in game one of Super Rugby Aotearoa. There were no contact restrictions or facemasks as the home crowd enjoying a thrilling ending. Bryn Gatland, the son of the opposition coach kicked the winning drop-goal, sealing a 28-27 win for the Highlanders.

People love shaky iPhone footage of Scarfies on the piss! It has had a few views… https://t.co/43SwhB52c2