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Andrew Cornaga / Photosport
Australian captain Aaron Finch, left, shakes hands with New Zealand captain Kane Williamson.
Auckland’s COVID lockdown has seen New Zealand Cricket (NZC) quickly move their T20 international double rounds scheduled for Eden Park on Friday, to Wellington, where they will be played that day without crowds.
On Saturday night, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that Auckland would return to Level 3 for seven days, at her press conference at 9pm. You cannot play any sport at level 3.
NZC is offering full refunds for all those unable to watch internationals, who have been victims of the global pandemic, he said.
And on Saturday the America’s Cup was scheduled to celebrate the long-awaited race one between Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa. It seems unlikely that the event can continue as scheduled.
Todd Niall / Stuff
Te Rehutai of the New Zealand team during the tests one week before the first race of the America’s Cup.
READ MORE:
* Overtime: the British team is desperate to participate in the Prada Cup against Luna Rossa
* Covid-19: Trans-Tasman netball, cricket internationals can go ahead if level 2 remains
* Covid-19: Prada Cup races postponed as Auckland moves to level 3
The organizers of the America’s Cup said they were “anticipating the situation and will work with the authorities and relevant agencies in the coming days to work out the implications.”
In the Prada Cup, a government exemption was required to compete. Races are possible at level 2, with audience restrictions. In the rest of New Zealand, which will move to level two, crowds are ruled out for seven days.
Phil Walter / Getty Images
Blues coach Leon MacDonald.
The lockdown has left the rugby blues homeless in their own country. After his team beat the Hurricanes 31-16 in Wellington, Blues coach Leon MacDonald told reporters that the team would not return to Auckland as they could not train below level 3.
An alternative basis was not outlined. The Blues don’t have a game next weekend.
The New Zealand track and field championships to be held in Hastings next weekend were canceled shortly after the prime minister’s announcement. Auckland is an athletic powerhouse and number restrictions made it impossible to hold the event.
Kai Schwoerer
Dame Valerie Adams doesn’t have national championships next weekend, after all.
Australia was due to play the Black Caps at Eden Park at 7pm on Friday, and the White Ferns would play the mighty England team at 3pm.
Australia are in Wellington to play the Black Caps at Sky Stadium on Wednesday. Friday’s doubleheader would be played in the same arena.
Tauranga’s double cricket match planned for Sunday would go ahead as planned, “presumably without the crowds,” NZC said.
At Super Rugby Aotearoa, the Chiefs will play the Highlanders in Hamilton on Friday, while the Crusaders will host the Hurricanes on Saturday.
Netball events between the Silver Ferns and the Australian Diamonds will be played on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Only the last of those games can have a crowd.
