It's official: the Singapore Sports Hub pitch has caused the cancellation of the exhibition rugby match between the Maori All Blacks and Asia-Pacific Dragons (formerly known as Asia-Pacific Barbarians), Reuters reported earlier today (Oct. 21, 2014)

The two teams were scheduled to play on Nov. 15.

The cancellation could also potentially foil the Asia-Pacific Dragons' bid for the 18th Super Rugby Licence.

The Dragons are one of two teams bidding for a place in the expanded Super Rugby league and are planning to build a base out of the spanking new National Stadium. The other team vying for a spot is from Japan.

Check out what the owner of Asia Pacific Dragons Eric Series said in May this year:

“The facilities are World Class with a brand new Stadium (opening in June) with a retractable roof and air-flow system that keeps the Pitch level temperature monitored for players.”

“This overcomes weather issues in Asia, which during the Super Rugby timings, does have the type of high humidity and heat everyone saw with the British & Irish Lions match in Hong Kong last June. It is also the rainy season.

“In Singapore we would have the roof closed to protect from the elements.”

He probably spoke too soon.

Meanwhile New Zealand Rugby Union General Manager of planning and operations Nigel Cass told Reuters:

"We feel somewhat let down that this has happened at this late stage,"

Naturally, everyone wants to enjoy the world-class facilities sans the injuries. He added:

"However, the safety of our players is paramount and we were unable to get the assurances we needed that the pitch was playable."

The pitch was universally slammed by the Juventus football team, who played a friendly there in August, and both the Brazil and Japan football teams. Ex-national football captain Baihakki Khaizan also criticised the National Stadium with the hashtag #stadiumforconcerts

Singapore Sports Hub also announced last week that Taiwan pop star Jay Chou's concert will be rescheduled to Dec. 27 instead of Nov. 8.

The recent rescheduling of events points to the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2014, slated to kick off at the National Stadium on Nov. 23. A decision on whether to hold the biennial football competition at the National Stadium or move it to another venue has not been made. AFF officials will make a decision this week.

Top photo from here

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