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The Blues make official statement around the New Zealand Government's decision to lockdown Auckland
By Online Editors
The Blues have made an official statement regarding the New Zealand Government's decision to lockdown Auckland for three days following the finding of community transmission of Covid-19 in the city.
With the Blues scheduled to host the Crusaders in front of a sellout crowd on Sunday in the final round of Super Rugby Aotearoa, the Blues are awaiting further correspondence.
"The Blues along with fellow Super Rugby Aotearoa partners and NZR are currently assessing the impact of both the Blues-Crusaders and Highlanders-Hurricanes games with the move to Covid-19 Level 3 in Auckland and the rest of the country to Level 2," a statement read.
"NZR is in close and constant dialogue with Government and we will pass on more information when we have it.
"We are working through all the numerous scenarios and will probably be in a better position to comment with more clarity tomorrow (Thursday).
The Blues players have been sent home as required by the lockdown rules, while cleaning their facility this morning before the 12 noon lockdown comes into effect.
"The players and staff are now based at their homes awaiting updates, ensuring they are meeting all health and tracing requirements to keep safe."
"We are busy this morning readying our facility for shutdown as per level 3 requirements, cleaning gym equipment which will be dispersed around players so they can continue to train and prepare for our final game.
New Zealand Rugby are expected to make an official statement today having issued an update after the announcement.
“NZR is currently assessing the impact on rugby following the announcement that Auckland will tomorrow move to Covid-19 Level 3 and the rest of the country to Level 2. NZR is in close dialogue with Government and an update will be given tomorrow [Wednesday]."
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"And you think they are finished products? 🤣"
I think Ntamack was a better player at 21 than Marcus is at 25. I think his game will continue to develop, but I don't think either of them will get very much better. Dan Carter became an incredible game manager as he got older, but he never dominated the opposition more than he did aged 23. Wilkinson pretty indisputably hit his peak at 24. Not everyone is Johnny Sexton, and most players who are touted as prodigies turn out to have peaked young.
"That, or the English game has been slow to develop. I'll let you decide the answer to that one Finn 😉"
no, England have generally looked like a good side when Smith isn't in the team.
"Great job illustrating he's the man to take England to WC 27' though, kinda counter to wanting a 35yo Farrell!"
literally no one is arguing for Farrell.
Go to commentsScott Robertson is within his rights to state a case. Richie Mo'unga would have made a huge difference to the All Blacks this year. To say he and Richie worked well together at the Crusaders is a massive understatement. 7 titles speaks for itself. He then guided Brave Lupus to the Japanese League title in 2024. It worked well when Richie's fellow Crusaders great Matt Todd and team mate ,was able to play for the All Blacks while in Japan in 2018.
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