'We want to give it a shot': WNBL scrambles to lock in semi-final after Canberra Capitals hit by COVID-19

The Capitals have been rocked by COVID-19 during their WNBL finals campaign, with the league forced to postpone Canberra's second semi-final against the Perth Lynx hours before Sunday's scheduled tip-off.

Canberra officials hope to have clarity on a new date for game two within 48 hours, but the club faces an anxious wait to see how the playing group recovers from the virus.

A number of Capitals players have contracted the virus while some teammates are still awaiting further PCR test results. Initial negative results on PCR tests came despite those same players returning positive samples on rapid antigen tests.

Only once all test results are returned can the Capitals establish when day zero was for the final case, from which point a seven-day isolation period can begin.

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But it is not as simple as scheduling a game as soon as the isolation period ends, given the Capitals would need at least three days to practice before the match.

Canberra need seven players to be able to play a do-or-die semi-final, with the three-game series reduced to two matches with the winner to be determined via a points spread.

The Capitals would need to win by 15 points, having lost game one 91-77 in Perth, to book a place in the grand final against the Melbourne Boomers.

"We want to play and win or lose on our own grounds, playing the game, versus having it taken from us," Capitals coach Paul Goriss said.

"Obviously COVID has hit the group and they're a bit down, but it's the same thing. Their mindset is they want everyone back on court together with who we've got to play, to give it a shot knowing we've got everyone back.

"It's on not only our own terms but it's fair that we have a team to play. Under WNBL rules, if you don't have seven the game is allowed to be cancelled. Those are the rules WNBL made.

"We're hoping we get our full group back and within a couple of days we'll be able to field a full-strength team."

WNBL officials hope to retain a three-game format for the grand final series, but it could be reduced to two matches or a single game if another match is not possible.

That will hinge on how quickly officials are able to reschedule Canberra's clash with Perth, as Capitals officials prepare for another venue availability struggle.

"We are guided, as we have been through the entire season, by medical advice from our club doctor. We are working on solutions for a reschedule," Capitals general manager Lucille Bailie said.

"It's really a case of watch this space as we work through this. We'll let the COVID timeline take its course and we will be working on a reschedule as soon as practical."

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