SCHEDULE CHANGES FOR ROUND 2

The DHL Super Rugby Pacific Round 2 draw has been reshuffled to give Moana Pasifika more time to prepare for their match against the Chiefs. The announced changes do not affect the draw for any Round 2 matches played in Australia. 

The revised draw for Round 2 is: 

• Friday 25 February – 19:05 NZT - Highlanders v Crusaders – Forsyth Barr Stadium Dunedin

• Saturday 26 February – 19:05 NZT – Blues v Hurricanes – Forsyth Barr Stadium Dunedin

• Sunday 27 February – 15:35 NZT – Chiefs v Moana Pasifika – Queenstown Recreation Reserve (Wakatipu Rugby Club)

Moana Pasifika’s first round match against the Blues was postponed when the squad was forced into isolation at their Queenstown hotel after members of their group tested positive for COVID-19 last Friday. 

Moana Pasifika’s Round 2 match against the Chiefs was originally scheduled to be played in Dunedin at 7.05pm on Friday, 25 February, but will now be played two days later in Queenstown, with a 3.35pm kick-off time. 

NZR General Manager Professional Rugby and Performance Chris Lendrum said: 

“Moana Pasifika continue to follow all health advice as they complete their isolation and have been making plans for a return to training once health authorities have released them from isolation. We are not able to discuss details of Moana Pasifika’s COVID cases but the new schedule for Round 2 provides Moana Pasifika with more time to prepare for the match. 

“We are also continuing to work with our joint venture partners Rugby Australia, and our broadcasters to reschedule the postponed first round match between the Blues and Moana Pasifika and will make an announcement in due course.” 

The revised Round 2 schedule also means the Highlanders v Crusaders has moved forward 24 hours, while the Blues v Hurricanes match also shifts forward one day, with a change of venue and kick-off time, from 3:35pm in Queenstown, to 7.05pm in Dunedin.