Reds v Force match under a cloud
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Cyclone Marcia could force only the second abandoned match in Super Rugby history, with the Round Two clash between the Reds and Force in major doubt as heavy wind and torrential rain batters Brisbane.
Should the match be abandoned, the game will be deemed a draw with both the Reds and Force to collect two competition points each.
Officials from SANZAR, the ARU, and both teams were locked in deep discussion on Friday planning possible contingencies if the category three storm continues to cause havoc in the city.
SANZAR has issued a statement regarding the match stating that a decision will be made at 23.00 GMT on Thursday – 9.00 in Brisbane.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 18:40 local time (19:40 AEDT, 21:40 NZDT, 8:40am SAST) on Saturday, February 21 however is currently in doubt due to the severe weather as a result of Tropical Cyclone Marcia.
SANZAR will reserve its decision until Saturdayto give the match every opportunity of going ahead.
The thoughts of SANZAR, the Australian Rugby Union and Queensland Rugby Union are with those currently affected by this natural disaster.
Already, the A-League clash between Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory scheduled for Friday has been postponed until next week, while the Brisbane Racing Club has suspended all action for Saturday, and the cricket World Cup match between Australia and Bangladesh is highly unlikely to proceed.
If conditions are unsafe to play on Saturday, officials will consider moving the game to Ballymore on Sunday.
A Foo Fighters concert at Suncorp Stadium next Tuesday means the game cannot be played there on Sunday because organisers will be setting up the stage and doing sound-checks in preparation for the event.
However, if Cyclone Marcia continues its destructive path into Sunday, organisers could be forced to scrap the match altogether.
An already jammed calendar means the match could not be replayed at a later date.
The Reds have already suffered disruption to their preparation after fullback Karmichael Hunt was arrested (sic) and charged with drug supply.
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