Super Rugby Pacific's decision to stage three rather than five competition matches over Easter has been justified by the powers-that-be. 

Chair Kevin Malloy has defended the move, despite the AFL, NRL and A-League hosting a full slate of fixtures. 

Malloy told Mike Hosking the fact that clubs have struggled to get crowds, which is a big part of their revenue, is a big element, and with 11 teams in the draw, they’d either have one weekend with three games or two weekends with four, so strategically it made sense to give teams a break over the weekend.  

Also, he says, six grounds were also unavailable, and two teams didn't want to play due to religious reasons. 

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