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Blues confident of playing at Eden Park for Super Rugby Aotearoa: 'Business as usual'

May 20, 2020

Uncertainty surrounds the Blues' home venue for the new competition.

When the Blues begin their Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign at home to the Hurricanes on June 14, the side are confident that they'll be doing so at their traditional Eden Park fortress.

With Otago's Forsyth Barr Stadium, Wellington's Westpac Stadium, Christchurch's Orangetheory Stadium and Hamilton's FMG Stadium all locked in to host their respective sides in the new competition, Auckland's Eden Park is yet to be confirmed as the Blues' home ground.

Reports state that the main issue around Eden Park's immediate future revolve around rates for use of the ground on a match day, with the Blues understood to pay $30,000 per match for use of the ground as their home venue.

Naturally, Super Rugby Aotearoa not having fans attend due to the safety risks of Covid-19 would leave Eden Park and the Blues with no ticket income from potential spectators.

Speaking to media via Zoom though, senior player James Parsons says that as far as he's concerned, the June 14 kick off will take place at Eden Park.

"I assume it's at Eden Park," Parsons said.

"Unless otherwise. I do expect to be playing at Eden Park."

As for "no fans allowed" in is concerned, Parsons says that the idea will take some getting used to as far as the players are concerned.

"I don't know what it'll be like with no crowds.

"I suppose [North] Harbour haven't had a big crowd over the years. Maybe I'm the wrong person to ask.

"It's just business as usual I suppose, I'm just happy to be out there in a Blues jersey."

Forwards coach Tom Coventry meanwhile says that all of the New Zealand sides will be on a level playing field with no crowds in place.

"We rely heavily on our crowd. At times they get you through the tight matches.

"I'm hoping we can adapt pretty quickly to that, and put performances on the board regardless."

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