Warriors’ juggernaut forces Super Rugby to shift its all-New Zealand Hurricanes-Chiefs semi-final

The rise of the Warriors has forced a significant change to an all-New Zealand Super Rugby semi-final - a move which has been described as “no hope” just a few years ago.

The rise of the Warriors has forced the time-shift of an all New Zealand Super Rugby semi-final in a move Warriors boss Cameron George thought he would “never see the day”.

The high flying Warriors – who have captivated the New Zealand sporting public – are now eroding the once all-mighty grip the 15-man game had on the Kiwi fanbase.

The Warriors regular club game between the Storm on Saturday night was due to kick-off at the same time as a high profile Super Rugby semi-final between the Hurricanes and Chiefs at 5.30pm (Australian time).

Instead that Super Rugby clash has now been brought forward three hours to avoid the two codes from going head to head.

“First and foremost it’s a really sensible move for the sporting landscape in New Zealand,” George said. “It gives all the sporting fans a chance to support elite sport.

“You have a Super Rugby semi-final followed by what will be an unbelieve clash between the Warriors and Melbourne.

A young Warriors fan shows his colours. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

“It’s getting the fans of New Zealand what we want to do and that is to have them engaged.”

The Warriors were on the brink of collapse just a couple of seasons ago when they were gripped by the Covid-19 pandemic. Ripped away from their New Zealand fanbase, the Warriors are now being repaid by their faithful fans who have stuck by them since their return home.

When asked if he felt this could happen a few years ago, George simply replied:

“No hope. I never thought I’d see the day. It is commendable and it shows the in-roads and the impact we are having on the sporting public in New Zealand.”

The Super Rugby clash is in Wellington while the Warriors will again play in front of a sold-out crowd in Auckland.

About 24,000 are expected for the clash with the Warriors on-track to completely sell out each of their home matches.

Their round 17 fixture against Brisbane is already at capacity with just three more games – Tigers, Parramatta and Canterbury – to finish their season.

“It’s a high energy experience and it’s not to be missed event,” George said. “We’ve built so much around it.”

Originally published as Warriors’ juggernaut forces Super Rugby to shift its all-New Zealand Hurricanes-Chiefs semi-final