SANZAAR have officially found a home for the Brumbies’ clash with the Sunwolves, after the ongoing coronavirus emergency forced it to be moved from Japan.
The Round 6 match will now be part of an historic Super Rugby double-header, with the match to be played at WIN Stadium in Wollongong before the scheduled Waratahs-Chiefs game on Friday, March 6.
The Brumbies will now kick off at 2:45pm (AEDT), while the Waratahs’ start time remains 7:15pm (AEDT).
It’s not the only match to be moved, either: the Round 7 match between the Sunwolves and the Crusaders has also been relocated from Japan.
The match will now be played as part of another double-header, before the Reds take on the Bulls at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday, March 14.
“For the integrity of the tournament, we believe relocating the matches was the right thing to do regardless of the complexities involved,” Super Rugby CEO Andy Marinos said in a statement.
“This has enabled us to create a series of double-header matches which we hope will prove popular with rugby fans in Wollongong and Brisbane.
“I urge fans in both cities to come out and support not only their team but also the Sunwolves, who now have an extended stay in Australia.”
The changes mean no Super Rugby games will be played in Japan during March, though April and May fixtures in the country remain in place.
The Brumbies were originally slated to take on the Sunwolves on Sunday, March 8, in Osaka.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
That’s what holiday leave is for, my friend.
tubby
Guest
given they can move a game across continents you'd think the NZ game could be played earlier. Can you really bill this as a double header when any one going would be better off going home between the games?
Matt From Pony Land
Roar Rookie
Sadly no, Canberra Day is Monday the 9th, otherwise it would have been a handy start to the long weekend.
Steven Harris
Mid strength as well
Big Dave
Roar Rookie
3 hours of charging you $10 for a beer.
Curl
Guest
World Cup organisers take note. It’s not that hard....
Hoges
Roar Rookie
The break between games is because there is a game in NZ in between. The beauty of super rugby has alway been that they have never played two games at the same time meaning if you choose to you can watch all games live every weekend. I read today that that Friday is a public holiday in Canberra which is why I guess they think people won’t have a problem travelling to the game.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Am a mite surprised at the times between matches in the games at the Gong. The Wolves vs Brumbies should finish about 4:15pm but then its a 3 hour wait for the Tahs game against the Chiefs, which I intend to go to as its fairly close to the wilds of Miranda. I’s not sure why its such a long break between games. They do the same for the Super Womens games, start them about 4:30pm while the mens’ game starts about 7:15pm. That leaves about 60-70 minutes all standing around like stunned mullets waiting for the 2nd match to start. Ideally it should only be a 30 minute wait max between games but I accept it could be staffing or ground problems causing the longer wait. wrt these double headers it’s a far longer wait. I guess I can go to the 1st game, then off for a quick swim or beer (depending on weather) then back to WIN stadium to cheer the mighty Tahs. Am now wondering if I attend both matches, will the stadium folks charge me twice?
ethan
Guest
Great initiative. Would expect that Suncorp double header to draw a good crowd.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Bugger. Just realised it’s a Friday :crying:
Markus
Roar Rookie
A good decision in response to a tough situation. Now I am just hoping I can get to Wollongong that early in the afternoon.
Humey
Guest
Great forward thinking.Well done to all involved.