Covid outbreaks in the Blues, Highlanders, and Crusaders squads have forced New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to change the Super Rugby Pacific Round 5 schedule with none of the games going ahead as planned.
There will be one match, however, with Moana Pasifika to now play the Chiefs at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland at 5.05pm AEDT Saturday. The original Round 5 schedule would have seen the Highlanders host Moana Pasifika in Dunedin, the Blues play the Crusaders in Christchurch, and the Hurricanes play the Chiefs in Wellington.
NZR said none of the matches have been cancelled and NZR remains confident the five postponed matches this season can be rescheduled later in the competition.
NZR Head of Tournaments and Competitions Cameron Good said several factors had factored into the decision to schedule the Moana Pasifika vs. Chiefs match.
“Like many businesses around New Zealand we continue to deal with the disruptions of COVID on our people, and the health of the Blues, Highlanders and Crusaders players and staff was the key consideration in withdrawing those teams from this weekend’s matches,” Good said in a statement.
“With three teams remaining we had to look at what was the best outcome for the competition and a key consideration was to ensure Moana Pasifika got back on the field again after having three matches postponed through the opening month of the season, which is exciting for the club and their fans. This change also allows Moana Pasifika to catch up on their previously postponed Round 2 match against the Chiefs.
“This has been a tough call on the Hurricanes who had initially been scheduled to play the Chiefs and I would like to acknowledge the Hurricanes for their understanding and cooperation in putting the competition first.”
NZR was confident five postponed DHL Super Rugby Pacific matches could be rescheduled, Good said.
“We are looking at the schedule and believe there are opportunities to play those matches without major disruption to the draw and will announce details in due course.”
The postponed matches requiring rescheduling are Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika from Round 4, Highlanders v Moana Pasifika from Round 5, Hurricanes v Gallagher Chiefs from Round 5, and Crusaders v Blues from Round 5. Moana Pasifika’s Round 1 match against the Blues at Mt Smart Stadium has already been rescheduled for Tuesday 29 March in Round 7.
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Good meanwhile noted that the NZ Government’s border announcement today was a welcome boost to DHL Super Rugby Pacific.
“The easing of border restrictions allows New Zealand Rugby to plan with more certainty toward teams traveling into New Zealand later in the season, both for DHL Super Rugby Pacific and for our international schedules.
“We are looking forward to our Super Rugby Pacific teams heading across the Tasman in April to play the Australian teams, notably for the Super Round in Melbourne over ANZAC weekend, and also welcoming the Australian teams to New Zealand in May.”
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
"Ka-ching" Danny......spot on mate for agreeing with something I've written....yes, we all know the Chiefs have 17 players out and, I've acknowledged that. You do read previous blogs......now, keep shooting from the hip rather than, the lip.
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
And of course, you know that McMillan's hooker, will change to fill-in at prop after 1week of training. Of course McMillan can't do that - he chose that player because he probably filled both roles, in the local club comp and the NPC comp. Get your arguments on program Danny - I said I've seen flankers play front row but that happened back in the '70s. Never said it happened yesterday or last week. Oh and btw, that flanker who became hooker was a happy one at that - his name was Hika aka "The happy hooker" who he went onwards and upwards, to national selection.
wigeye
Guest
are you kidding us mk? First up post. I wouldn't get a word in anyway
Wigeye
Guest
crusaders are kiwis are they not. Why are we pucking up another season and how many more rugga seasons are we going to do it for a mere c ommon cold... Why are we still herding up i cues catching colds. Why do we the ones that have followed protocol and government rules had all the shots thats the majority . .have to continue this crap to save the woke numb nuts no covid shots filling up our hospital's so our family's can't get urgent life and death operations 50% of all cases were non jabed people in hospital its not fake news. Just play the rugby store all this tripe, If you had no shots you can't comment. If you have underlying conditions its what it is later it will be the great plague of 2000s. Just ki ck the ball off. It's crazy massive beat up my god
Danny McGowan
Roar Rookie
By the way. Chiefs have 17 out and still playing, so maybe what is your problem? And covid is not only thing taking players out, most teams have injuries as well you do realise that don’t you?
Danny McGowan
Roar Rookie
So Crusaders have 20, so game called off, so why are you complaining? And as for 17 afflicted, if 6-8 are front rowers they are not allowed to play. Your argument is ridiculous to say the least.
Danny McGowan
Roar Rookie
Oh yeah, I know we have seen hookers become props , flankers become props etc etc, but sure as hell not in a week at professional level, and you know as well as I do you can't do that safely. And posted such shows you are just either stirring or got no idea.Thats why you don't put theses flankers etc in front row when there are cards etc.
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
Once again, you have a problem not reading what I said Danny. If you go back and read my blogs I acknowledge that if teams suffer 20-25 afflicted players then so be it...their matches will get postponed. Obviously, 17 afflicted players, doesn't get a postponement.
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
Did you not read what I said Danny......go back and have a look at "ravaged by covid to the point where games have been cancelled..." The point of difference is, Aupiki games were cancelled whereas SR Pacifica games, are postponed.
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
If a player has played and shares the role between propping and hooking, then there's no safety reason to stop, that selection. If you followed or know the game, then you'd realise McMillan can and has, selected in that fashion. I've seen flankers become hookers, props become hookers and hookers become props. I've even seen hookers become wingers....ala Fitzy and Coles. They were a pair of flyers, out there. Suffice to say, I've seen a few games - even played a few back in the dinosaur days when rucking the ball, was the safest way to not get caught lie-ing, at the bottom of a ruck.
Danny McGowan
Roar Rookie
I don't understand why you think there is a cover up. If the medical team decide it is better not to play, who is responsible?? What is to be gained by a so called cover up? I wonder why you even think it is needed. If a player or players are ever deemed unfit to play for any reason , do we need to know who actually says they are unfit?
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Hi Danny, I ultimately have no problem with delaying matches if that is necessary. But what I don't think is appropriate is a clear cover-up of responsibility.
Danny McGowan
Roar Rookie
Colvin Crusaders have 20 players out, Canes had 20 last week!! For christ sakes, NH had to cancel games because they weren't prepared to put inexperienced players in a dangerous position (front row etc etc), if you think our entertainmet getting changed to Easter etc (as Blues/Crusaders} are planning is more important than player safety, I really wonder about your priorities.
Danny McGowan
Roar Rookie
OB if you don't realise that if you have too many front rowers etc ut for whatever reason you can't play (for safety), I am afraid you don't either follow or know the game of rugby.
Danny McGowan
Roar Rookie
Women's comp has lost games too OB, you do know that don't you?
Danny McGowan
Roar Rookie
Yep and Crusaders got 20 players out, Crusader were contemplating trying to play it with no training etc, but still no guarantee they would have players. Canes had 20 last week, but according to you they should still force teams to play?
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Yes the bubbles havnt proved a success in NZ.
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
Where do you draw the line at player depletions Jacko cos obviously, 17 players doesn't cut it. Unfortunately, if the covid rage increases exponentially within all NZ franchises, it could force NZR cancelling the current postponed games (4No) altogether. Then, let's see it hit the fan from NZ franchises because a cancelled match, means the points are shared (2pts each), between the teams. Meanwhile across the ditch, the Oz sides are happily pushing on, playing and earning points which IMO, will place even more pressure on the NZ teams to perform, in the cross-ditch section. Remember, home games go to the leading teams with highest points.
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
Oh hang on Jacko - the women's NZ Aupiki tournament has also been ravaged by covid to the point where games have been cancelled but, that comp is still continuing. And, aren't they are in a bubble in Taupo??
Jacko
Roar Rookie
No the QT bubble was disbanded because it wasnt doing what they needed it to do. Covid was there and to me they should have had a 5 team holiday for a week just passing the
ballcovid around to each other. Get it done... It shouldnt be to many more weeks of this before its gone thru the lot but my Chiefs are playing with a NPC side and a couple of the players havnt even played at that level.