This season saw the arrival of the Melbourne Rebels, admitted to the competition as Australia's fifth team after entry by the Southern Kings from South Africa was denied.
This was also the first season of a revamped competition format, with a greater focus on matches within each participating country and an expanded finals series.
During this season, the first ever Super Rugby game was played outside the SANZAR region, taking place at Twickenham Stadium between the Crusaders and the Sharks.
[5] Source: NZ Herald Legend: Points breakdown: The overall standings classification system:[6][7] Notes:
Note * : The match was cancelled and called a draw due to the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.