Crusaders to host 'housewarming party'
SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand will host Super Rugby Pacific’s reborn Super Round for the first time in what will serve as a housewarming party for Christchurch’s new stadium.
The five-game event from April 24-26 will feature traditional Anzac Day rivalries as the Crusaders christen the roofed 25,000-seat One New Zealand Stadium.
Melbourne hosted three Super Rounds, to mixed reviews, before the Rebels were axed from the competition and the concept was binned last year.
Rugby powerhouse Christchurch has been without a major stadium since the deadly 2011 earthquake rendered Lancaster Park unusable.
The defending champion Crusaders will open proceedings on the Friday night, before the annual Reds v Blues and Hurricanes v Brumbies Anzac Day rivalry games on the Saturday.
Two games will be played on Sunday, with the full fixture, including which of the 11 Super Rugby Pacific teams won’t play, still to be finalised.
“The opening event at One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha will be a major milestone in the remarkable comeback story of our city,” Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger said.
“And it is great to share that with our friends and neighbours from all across the country, Australia and the Pacific.
