Dates changed for Pura Cup final

The Pura Cup final has been brought forward one day, which could avert a potential clash with the AFL if Victoria win hosting duties. The Bushrangers are second on the competition table, equal on points with the first-placed New South Wales, and might secure the right to hold the five-day game at the MCG.

The decider was originally scheduled to finish on Thursday, March 20, which is the same day the MCG is listed to host the first game of the AFL season. Cricket Australia has changed the start date to March 15, meaning the MCG staff could have as little as 24 hours to transform a cricket field into a football venue.

"We have to plan that the cricket will go until 6pm or 6.30pm on March 19," Tony Ware, the MCG curator, told the Herald Sun. "We have got the capability to take all the wickets out and get it done overnight and it will be a footy field the next day. There are plenty of things to do but we can get it done overnight."

Barring a late run from Western Australia hosting rights will almost certainly go to Victoria or New South Wales, and problems will remain if the Blues take the honour. The SCG is due to host an NRL match on March 16, the second day of the Pura Cup final.