Numbers in a row (6)

I believe the answer is:

eights

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'numbers' is the definition.
(eight is a kind of number)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for eights that I've seen before include "Sets of rowers" , "Numbers for rowing crews" , "88888" , "Boat race crews" , "Rowing boat race, eight eight" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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