'Compelling case for covered stadiums': Calls for new Crusaders home ground grow louder following dismal match against Chiefs
Calls for a new stadium in Christchurch have grown louder in the wake of the Crusaders’ ugly 18-13 win over the Chiefs at Orangetheory Stadium on Sunday.
A brace of tries to Will Jordan handed the reigning Super Rugby champions their sixth straight victory to maintain their undefeated run in the revised Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.
However, Jordan’s opportunistic scoring exploits were two of only a few moments of excitement throughout the encounter, as constant drizzle made for an error-ridden clash between two of the heavyweights of the league.
Sloppy passes, knock ons, lengthy kicking duels and numerous set pieces were prominent all game long in conditions that made the turf and ball as slippery as each other.
These facets of the game have become synonymous with matches held in Christchurch in the middle of the New Zealand winter.
Built in 2012 as a temporary home ground for the Crusaders in place of the now-closed AMI Stadium after it was destroyed in the 2011 earthquakes, the open-aired Orangetheory Stadium offers little protection from the harsh weather on offer in the South Island through June to August.
This is conducive to physical, forward-orientated rugby, where the wet ball makes it difficult to play the expansive rugby that New Zealand sides are so often associated with.
That much was evident on Sunday afternoon, where the rain spat down on the players and the grey clouds forced the floodlights to come on much earlier in the afternoon than usually expected.
It came as no surprise, then, to see many viewers voice their displeasure on Twitter at the quality of rugby on offer, with others eager to see a new closed-roof stadium implemented to nullify the negative effects caused by the dull conditions.
When does Christchurch get a covered stadium?
Because so far this is pretty average.#SuperRugbyAotearoa #CRUvCHI
— Ryan Nixon (@NewYorkNixon) June 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/MTips2020/status/1277089372555235329
This has been a terrible half an hour of footy #CRUvCHI
— Ollie Ritchie (@OllieRitchie1) June 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/littlesteve/status/1277093246854787072
Out of all the games of rugby I've watched this year, this is…one of them.#CRUvCHI
— Jamie Wall (@JamieWall2) June 28, 2020
After seeing the benefits that Forsyth Barr Stadium has brought to both the Highlanders and the city of Dunedin from both rugby and non-rugby perspectives, the desire for a similarly roofed stadium in Christchurch is significant.
While there is plenty of support for such a concept, the slow redevelopment of Christchurch since the earthquakes almost a decade ago has made it difficult to envisage when an arena like Forsyth Barr Stadium could be constructed in the Garden City.
That was until the last few months, when plans for a roofed 25,000-capacity stadium were signed off by the local council and national government.
Early reports suggest the $473m stadium is set to go under construction at the beginning of next year, and could be completed by 2024.
That news will be music to the ears of Crusaders fans and Super Rugby pundits alike, who will no doubt be joyed at the prospect of New Zealand’s top sides going head-to-head with dry ball at their disposal for every match played in Christchurch.
Comments on RugbyPass
After missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
10 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
10 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
10 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
10 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
10 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to comments