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'This is a real lifeline': Blues to play game of three halves against Chiefs and Crusaders
By Online Editors
The Blues' Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign is back on track after having to cancel a pre-season game against the Crusaders set for Eden Park on Saturday.
With Auckland moving to alert Level 2, the Blues have arranged a game of three halves fixture against the Chiefs and Crusaders in Cambridge.
The fixture will take place on Saturday but is closed to the public.
The Blues have been isolated at home with individual trainings while Auckland were in Level 3 lockdown. Both the Crusaders and Chiefs offered to host the Blues, with a change of alert levels leading to agreed plans for a game of three halves based in the Waikato.
The Crusaders will now stick with their plan to fly north, however will take the field in Cambridge instead of the previously scheduled Eden Park. The first game of three halves in 2021 was played in Upper Hutt last Saturday with the Gallagher Chiefs, Blues and the Hurricanes taking part.
The pre-season match will serve as a welcome opportunity for all teams to test scenarios and combinations in a live fixture before the Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa Season kicks off next Friday, February 26.
There will be no tickets sold to the event as the match will be played under NZR Level 2 Operating Protocols due to the close proximity to Auckland and the need to take maximum precautions ahead of Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Chiefs CEO Michael Collins said that they have erred on the side of caution to play under Alert Level 2 restrictions, especially given the late decision to proceed with the match.
"Our primary focus is to provide opportunities that will best prepare the Gallagher Chiefs squad for Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa and also combat against the many uncertainties that exist for us all. Testing ourselves against the Blues and Crusaders provides that for us.
"We are compelled to err on the side of caution and operate the match with Alert Level 2 restrictions. Auckland is still in Level 2, it's a short drive down State Highway 1 to get here and we know this fixture would have attracted thousands of passionate fans if we sold tickets to the public. With the stadium unavailable and less than three days to turn this event around, we've decided to play it safe and prioritise fans attending matches when the 2021 Sky Super Rugby Season begins.
The game will be aired on Sky Sport.
Blues Head Coach Leon McDonald is delighted his team will take the field on Saturday.
"Things were not looking good for us as we have been unable to train as a team, so this is a real lifeline and vital as we try to make up time before the start of the competition. We are humbled by the support we have received from the clubs, especially for the Chiefs' offer to host us and for the Crusaders who have been so supportive through this entire pre-season upheaval."
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I wonder how Leinster will use Jordie. I would rate the current centres there above him, and the rest of the backline is strong. Pity he did not go out to Connacht, or up to Ulster....both would really benefit from a player of his class.
Go to commentsI am saddened that this is how Brendan Mullin has ended up. I met him in the 70's as a 16 year old , when attending a trial for an Irish Schools age group sevens team. I was coaching in Ulster at the time, and we had a player in contention.
On the way back up to Belfast, he was on the train for part of the way out of Dublin, and I got to know him a bit. He told me was born in Jerusalem, lived some years there. He was now being educated at the rugby powerhouse, Blackrock College. He made that team, as did my player. His immense talent was clear at that age.
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