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Christchurch - The Crusaders are expected to remain in earthquake-ravaged Christchurch rather than travel to Wellington for Saturday's Vodacom Super Rugby clash with the Hurricanes.
According to the Voxy website, players and management are considering their options at a meeting on Wednesday, hours after it was confirmed Crusaders board member Philip McDonald was among 75 confirmed fatalities victims of the devastating jolt which flattened the city's CBD on Tuesday.
Although a decision was not expected until Thursday it is understood the second round match will be deemed a draw, with both sides receiving two competition points, following discussions between the Crusaders and officials from the tournament organiser SANZAR.
The Crusaders had considered flying to Wellington on the day of the game, but have instead decided to stay in the city with loved ones as aftershocks continue to reverberate around the city.
Damage to the playing surface at AMI Stadium - it has been badly affected by quake-related liquefaction - has also cast doubt over the Crusaders ability to host matches at their home ground, starting with next weekend's visit by the Waratahs.
Crusaders home matches may need to be relocated to Dunedin, Nelson and Wellington amid fears Christchurch might no longer be considered an appropriate host city for this year's Rugby World Cup due to the extensive damage caused to the city's infrastructure.
SANZAR chief executive Greg Peters said it was the Crusaders' prerogative whether they decided to play this weekend, the Hurricanes' views did not influence the decision.
"At the end of the day what we're concerned about is the people in Christchurch," Peters told NZPA.
"It's a people decision, not a rugby decision. Everyone in the country is falling in behind whatever the Crusaders' decision is," he said.
The tight scheduling of the inaugural 15-team competition ensured it was unlikely an alternative date could be factored in.
Ironically, the game against the Waratahs has been dedicated as a remembrance match for the Pike River mining disaster, with the Crusaders set to wear West Coast jerseys.
Christchurch is due to host seven matches during the World Cup from September 9-October 23, including two quarter-finals.
According to the Voxy website, players and management are considering their options at a meeting on Wednesday, hours after it was confirmed Crusaders board member Philip McDonald was among 75 confirmed fatalities victims of the devastating jolt which flattened the city's CBD on Tuesday.
Although a decision was not expected until Thursday it is understood the second round match will be deemed a draw, with both sides receiving two competition points, following discussions between the Crusaders and officials from the tournament organiser SANZAR.
The Crusaders had considered flying to Wellington on the day of the game, but have instead decided to stay in the city with loved ones as aftershocks continue to reverberate around the city.
Damage to the playing surface at AMI Stadium - it has been badly affected by quake-related liquefaction - has also cast doubt over the Crusaders ability to host matches at their home ground, starting with next weekend's visit by the Waratahs.
Crusaders home matches may need to be relocated to Dunedin, Nelson and Wellington amid fears Christchurch might no longer be considered an appropriate host city for this year's Rugby World Cup due to the extensive damage caused to the city's infrastructure.
SANZAR chief executive Greg Peters said it was the Crusaders' prerogative whether they decided to play this weekend, the Hurricanes' views did not influence the decision.
"At the end of the day what we're concerned about is the people in Christchurch," Peters told NZPA.
"It's a people decision, not a rugby decision. Everyone in the country is falling in behind whatever the Crusaders' decision is," he said.
The tight scheduling of the inaugural 15-team competition ensured it was unlikely an alternative date could be factored in.
Ironically, the game against the Waratahs has been dedicated as a remembrance match for the Pike River mining disaster, with the Crusaders set to wear West Coast jerseys.
Christchurch is due to host seven matches during the World Cup from September 9-October 23, including two quarter-finals.
