News of revised arrangements for the inaugural Super Aupiki Tournament in New Zealand is concerning on more than one count.
Super Rugby Aupiki Trophy (Photo: NZ Rugby)
Several players have reported positive Covid tests and are in isolation. The Blues squad is worst affected. So it has been decided to delay the start of the new enterprise till 10 March. There will no longer be a final; instead the winners will be determined on points.
The Blues will be missing this weekend; the other three will play matches of three halves (see below).
Chris Lendrum, the general manager of professional rugby and performance, has been in urgent talks with the teams to work out the best route forward. Postponement was rejected as there are too many other events on the calendar getting in the way.
Players will be in the strictest bubbles during the tournament, undergoing regular testing. According to stuff.co.nz, players will be allowed to bring older children with them. That provision accounts for around half-a-dozen players.
This is a most unwelcome setback for New Zealand rugby in particular, as it knows it is playing catch-up with England and France. But the news adds to the concern about the wellbeing of World Cup arrangements. The NZ government has striven to keep firm tabs on the pandemic, but now cases are rising. 22.000 new cases were reported on Wednesday, 2 March.
It doesn’t help that the Blues squad are centred on Auckland, very much the heart and soul of RWC activities next October.
New Fixture Schedule:
Saturday, March 5 – Owen Delany Park, Taupō: Game of three halves – Chiefs Manawa v Hurricanes Poua v Matatū
Thursday, March 10 – FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Tuesday, March 15 – FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Sunday, March 20 – FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
