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Revealed: The contingency plans for New Zealand's North v South showcase
A change of date rather than a change of venue is now the more likely fate of the proposed North Island versus South Island match.
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The Herald understands that playing the game at Eden Park on September 5 is now the preferred contingency, should the Government keep Auckland at alert level 3 and prevent Blues players from travelling to Wellington on Monday.
Delaying the game by one week is seen as more practical and beneficial than trying to shift the venue from Eden Park to Sky Stadium as has been proposed.
The game was thrown into jeopardy as a result of the sudden switch to level 3 in Auckland last week, and level 2 in the rest of the country.
Cabinet is expected to review the decision on the current settings – which sees Auckland at alert level 3 and the rest of the country at alert level 2 until at least 11.59pm on Wednesday (August 26) – tomorrow, with an announcement on Monday.
With the harsher lockdown likely to last until at least next Thursday, it was no longer possible for the two teams to assemble in Auckland this upcoming Monday as planned.
Even if Auckland shifts to level 2 on Thursday, that wouldn’t be enough time for the two squads to prepare and it would still mean that the game would have to be played behind closed doors.
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Facing that scenario, New Zealand Rugby changed its plans and intends for the two squads to assemble in Wellington on Monday, train in the capital and then potentially return to Auckland to play the game at Eden Park.
But that plan was contingent on the Auckland players being granted a Government exemption to leave the city – something which many see as unlikely.
In which case, the next option would be for the two squads to assemble in Wellington and then welcome the Auckland players on Thursday, should the city’s alert level be lowered.
That’s been deemed an impractical solution and there is minimal appetite among key stakeholders to play the fixture if the 13 Auckland-based players selected are unable to take part at all.
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The game is doubling as an All Blacks trial and its purpose will be limited should the Blues contingent not be involved.
As anticipation heightens for next week's #NorthvSouth clash, the prospect of Blues players taking part in the match remains unclear amid Auckland's resurgence of Covid-19 cases.https://t.co/lbj1bjZXMX
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 19, 2020
With so many unknowns and risks it is believed that unless the Government decides tomorrow that it intends to lift the level 3 lockdown earlier or is willing to grant the Auckland players travel exemptions, then it would be best to push the fixture back seven days.
If Auckland returns to level 2 next Thursday, that will be enough to allow both teams to assemble in the city on Monday, August 31 and prepare for the match on September 5.
There is no clash of events to prevent that from happening and it would also open the prospect of the game being played in front of a sold-out Eden Park if the Government is willing to return Auckland to level 1.
The tickets have all been sold so it would be feasible for the stadium to be full even if the alert level was changed just the day before.
Comments on RugbyPass
Some thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 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.
11 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.
2 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?
11 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
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 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 comments