New Zealand Rugby’s already delayed North-South match faced another setback, with the latest COVID-19 restrictions meaning the September 5 fixture would have to be played without fans in attendance.
New Zealand’s government on Monday extended a coronavirus lockdown in Auckland until Sunday, while the entire country will remain under social distancing restrictions until at least September 6.
The social distancing rules mean the game can go ahead, but gatherings are limited to 100 people at most.
A NZR spokesman said they were working through the government’s decision and should be able to make an announcement on the fixture on Tuesday.
The match, between composite sides representing the country’s two main islands, had been originally scheduled for August 29 at Auckland’s Eden Park, but was postponed last week by NZR because of the lockdown.
It was unlikely the game could be pushed back any further than September 5, NZR’s head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum said last week.
He added that it could cost NZR upwards of $NZ1 million ($A910,000) if the game was not played.
Wellington Regional Stadium was earlier placed on standby as an alternate venue for the game.
The relaxation of Auckland’s lockdown from Sunday, however, should allow players to enter or exit the city, allowing teams to assemble for training if the game goes ahead.
KCharleton
Roar Rookie
Too easy my bro, I know how confusing a medium text can be at times. Appreciate the clarification my bro! Living over here in Aus I've not really kept up with the politics of everything back home but I know there is a fair bit of unrest with Aunty Cinda.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Appreciate the clarification (and the compliment), KC. The internet can mask intent, and my initial obtuseness was potentially confusing. Please forgive my defensiveness. I am taking no joy from any of the lockdown policies we are currently living under, and am concerned that some leaders are ‘expressing’ the power a little too enthusiastically (like Duvall in Apocalypse Now).
KCharleton
Roar Rookie
Not at all. All I meant was that your comments are usually a pleasure to read and this one is generally quite unlike what your normally post. Some posters on here I would expect such a comment, not you, hence my surprise and the fact I commented.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Taking no pleasure in this at all, KC. I admit my comment was obtuse, but if it’s my ‘poorest’ in ‘a while’ I’m wondering about the other poor ones. Were you ‘lurking’ in wait for a comment poor enough to de-lurk yourself for? You are making me feel way too special if you have me on ‘poor comment’ watch. I repeat I take no pleasure in any of the current lockdowns.
KCharleton
Roar Rookie
And this is quite possibly the poorest comment I've seen from you in a while. Long time lurker, not so often poster. Bit disappointing you're taking pleasure in this...
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
I lurve the smell of lockdowns in the morrrning....it smells like........