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Surge in COVID-19 cases in Victoria forces changes on eve of Super Rugby AU kick-off

(Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Melbourne are trying to focus on their Super Rugby AU round one clash with the Brumbies rather than worry about an uncertain playing future which could see them on the road for more than a month.

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The Rebels relocated to Canberra last Friday ahead of their opening clash with the Brumbies at GIO Stadium next Saturday night.

Aware that the Queensland government was looking to tighten restrictions around Victorian sports teams due to the coronavirus spike in Melbourne, the players were given 48 hours’ notice to prepare for the shift.

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Blues v Highlanders Press Conference

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Blues v Highlanders Press Conference

But it means they moved in time for their round two opponents, the Queensland Reds, to avoid any quarantine sanctions for playing against a team that has been in Melbourne in the preceding 14 days.

The Rebels announced on Monday that they had shifted that second round July 10 match, originally slated for AAMI Park, to NSW, with Leichhardt Oval or Brookvale Oval possible options.

With their next Queensland match not until round seven in August, Melbourne are hopeful they can return home after round two but it’s dependent on the level of coronavirus in Melbourne.

With Rugby Australia’s financial future hanging on the competition and accompanying broadcast money, the Rebels will do whatever it takes to ensure play continues.

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Western Force are also set to relocate to NSW due to tight border restrictions in their home state.

Rebels centre Billy Meakes says the team were used to travelling for a block during a usual Super Rugby season, so weren’t treating it any differently.

“We don’t know too much about the finer details of where we will be going or playing but I don’t know there’s too much concern at the moment,” Meakes said on Monday.

“It’s out of our hands … safety is the number one priority for everyone in the competition and we’re just trying to make do and get back on the pitch.”

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“I think the overriding emotion is excitement about playing.

“There’s uncertainty around where we’ll be in the coming weeks but one thing that is certain is we’re playing the Brumbies but it’s just super exciting to be back out there playing Super Rugby.”

The match against the Brumbies will be played in front of a small crowd, with the ACT government permitting some fans into the stadium

Meakes said it would be tough opening against the team that were the Australian conference pace-setters before the Super Rugby was shut down after seven rounds.

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R
RedWarrior 29 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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