The Lions’ upcoming match against the Blues at Eden Park has been moved to an earlier kick-off time to allow for two rescheduled Sunwolves matches.
Sanzaar confirmed the starting times for the two relocated Sunwolves Vodacom Super Rugby matches for rounds six and seven, as well as a change to an existing Blues home match in round seven to accommodate the change.
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The games, originally meant to be played in Japan, were relocated due to the risks involved with the coronavirus.
Rounds six and seven will now feature double-headers at Wollongong and Brisbane, respectively.
In round six this weekend, the Sunwolves vs Brumbies match will be played on Friday before the Waratahs vs Chiefs match.
Next weekend in round seven, the Sunwolves vs Crusaders match will now be played on Saturday, 14 March at the Suncorp Stadium, before the Reds vs Vodacom Bulls match.
New kick-off time for the #BLUvLIO match next week in Auckland. https://t.co/7UhqyxSbQa
— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) March 3, 2020
In order to accommodate the changes, the Lions’ round-seven clash with the Blues in Auckland will now kick off at 5:25am (SA time) as opposed to 8:05am (SA time).
‘The necessity to relocate the two Sunwolves matches in rounds six and seven of Super Rugby has created an exciting opportunity for both teams and spectators in Wollongong [Sydney] and Brisbane,’ Sanzaar chief executive Andy Marinos said.
‘Rugby fans can now watch two Super Rugby matches at the respective venues in rounds six and seven as we deliver our first-ever “double-header” round in the competition’s history of regular-season play.’
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images