The Blues will get a final pre-season game after all, with the Chiefs to host the Blues and Crusaders in a game of three halves in Cambridge on Saturday.
Blues training 2021 Photo: Photosport
The Crusaders had originally been scheduled to play the Blues at Eden Park, but the game was cancelled after Auckland went into lockdown.
The Crusaders and Chiefs then offered to host the Blues before the change of alert levels led to plans for a game of three halves based in Waikato.
The match will be closed to public and will be played under Level 2 operating protocols due tot the close proximity to Auckland and the need to take maximum precautions ahead of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
"We are compelled to err on the side of caution and operate the match with Alert Level 2 restrictions," Chiefs CEO Michael Collins said.
"Auckland is still in Level 2, it's a short drive down State Highway 1 to get here and we know this fixture would have attracted thousands of passionate fans if we sold tickets to the public.
"With the stadium unavailable and less than three days to turn this event around, we've decided to play it safe and prioritise fans attending matches when the 2021 Super Rugby Season begins."
Blues head coach Leon MacDonald is relieved his team will take the field on Saturday.
"Things were not looking good for us as we have been unable to train as a team, so this is a real lifeline and vital as we try to make up time before the start of the competition," MacDonald said.
"We are humbled by the support we have received from the clubs, especially for the Chiefs' offer to host us and for the Crusaders who have been so supportive through this entire pre-season upheaval."