Lightning caused a significant disruption to both AFL and rugby union matches held at stadiums just a short distance apart. The Super Rugby clash saw the Waratahs ahead 22-14 in the 70th minute when officials called a halt to the match due to lightning in the vicinity, prompting players to leave the field. Sean Maloney, the commentator for Stan Sport, expressed his disbelief and frustration, recalling a similar incident earlier in the year involving a match between the Reds and the Brumbies.
Although rain was minimal at the ground, safety protocols required all players and officials to seek shelter in the change rooms for a period of 30 minutes upon the sighting of lightning. This meant that spectators, including notable attendees like Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, also had to seek cover. The rugby match at Allianz Stadium resumed at 9:50 PM, following the delay.
Meanwhile, at the SCG, the lightning delay coincided with half-time in the derby match between the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants, with the Swans leading 7.3 (45) to 3.8 (26). The AFL match returned to play slightly later than the rugby, with the ball-up resuming at 10:02 PM.
As both leagues grappled with the unfortunate interruptions, fans were left waiting in anticipation for the games to restart.