Crusaders fans livid over possible home match in Melbourne

Speculation the Crusaders may play a "home" Super 12 rugby match in Melbourne next season has some fans seething.

Although there have been no official word from the Crusaders, there are strong indications they are considering playing their third round match against the Queensland Reds in Melbourne on March 12.

Christchurch's Jade Stadium is not available because the New Zealand cricket team are playing a test match against Australia on that date.

This has forced the Crusaders franchise to consider other options and before last weekend they were expected to choose between QEII Stadium in Christchurch or Nelson's Trafalgar Park.

Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach has declined to comment on the issue but Victoria Rugby Union manager Ron Steiner yesterday confirmed his union had been working with the Crusaders.

If the ground-breaking step to move the match to Melbourne went ahead, it would be a blow to Nelson, which is keen to host the match.

For some loyal fans, the thought of taking the match away sticks in their craw.

Nelson's Graeme Englefield, who owns two liquor stores in the city, said many customers he spoke to were irate at the prospect of the match being played in Australia.

Englefield and his wife are staunch Crusaders and Canterbury fans, for the last five years regularly making the 800km round trip to Christchurch for Super 12 and NPC matches.

"It should be played in our own back yard," he said.

"I've had a lot of people commenting about this game being in Australia - it's been a hot topic. They won't be happy if it goes there."

By taking the match to Melbourne, where it would be played at the Telstra Dome or Olympic Park, the Crusaders will no doubt maximise their returns, but Englefield said that was cold comfort for Crusaders fans.

"I think loyalty comes into it before money, for goodness sakes," the Canterbury Rugby Supporters Club member said.

"I can't stress enough how about how disappointing it would be if the game went to Melbourne.

"We wouldn't be worried if it went to Timaru or Blenheim - then it would be a case of 'good on them'. But to go to Australia is another matter."

Another supporter, Dawne Atchison - also the Canterbury Rugby Supporters' Club treasurer - was not happy at the mooted Melbourne move.

"It would be an absolute shame for our passionate supporters," she said.

Another club member, Mike Keenahan, believes Melbourne could be used but only if QEII is not viable.

"I think it should be at QEII but if it can't be there, then go to Melbourne. I don't think Nelson will be able to cater for enough people."

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said if a match was played in Melbourne he would not be concerned about losing home advantage.

"No, it wouldn't concern me and the board will make the right decision for the right reasons," Deans said.

"I think it would be more of an away game for the Queensland Reds than for us and I think the players will find it quite stimulating wherever they play the match."

- NZPA

Super 12 draw 2005

NZ Super 12 squads

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