The fixtures were scheduled to be played at the University Oval next weekend, but the Otago Rugby Football Union (ORFU) has been forced to relocate the games after the venue failed an inspection yesterday afternoon.
The wicket block at the University Oval has been left sodden following a run of wet weather in the city. And with more wet weather forecast, the metropolitan match committee quickly reached the decision to move the semifinals to Hancock Park, ORFU community rugby manager Richard Perkins said.
"You could see that the water was staying on the wicket block and has not got anywhere to drain," Perkins said.
"It has turned very muddy and, with some forecasted rain next week, there is no hope of it drying out in a week."
The boggy conditions would have potentially posed a safety concern for the players as well, and the ORFU also felt the state of the surface was unsatisfactory to properly "showcase" the game.
"It is disappointing we can’t play there but we have to balance that with the fact the ground is not in the condition to play on."
Perkins said the ORFU had hoped to staged the semifinals at Forsyth Barr Stadium, but it was unavailable.
"We did go and ask but, realistically, they have already got their programme in place ... and really it would have been a long shot."
The early semifinal will be played at 1pm on Hancock Park No 2, with the later game scheduled for 2.30pm on the No 1 ground.
"Both grounds, we’ve been advised, are in pretty good condition being sand based."
Perkins said a long-term solution may need to be found so the same issue can be avoided in 12 months time.
"The weather has complicated things this year. But a long-term solution is something that needs to be planned with the groundsman and the council, and that is something we will look to do when we review the season," he said.
The idea of the two top qualifiers hosting a semifinal each was briefly considered but quickly dismissed.
There is one round of regulation matches remaining, but the semifinalists are confirmed. Southern has secured top spot and will play Kaikorai in one semifinal. Dunedin and Harbour will meet in the other.