Watching the best team in the history of Super rugby taking on their southern rivals is about as good as it gets. Being able to do it under blazing sunshine and on your own back doorstep? Well, it’s no wonder thousands of tickets have already been sold.
This Friday, February 7, at 5.30pm the Crusaders host the Highlanders at Sportspark Motueka and a crowd approaching 10,000 is hoped for. The game is a preseason hit out for both sides ahead of the Super 15 competition that starts later this month and Crusaders bosses have said if the region turns out a big crowd two Super 15 games could be coming Nelson’s way next year.
The day before: The Crusaders will be in the region for Waitangi Day, on Thursday, which is the day before the big game, and will be visiting Te Awhina Marae in the morning before a closed training session. From 4.30 to 6pm the Crusaders will be at Kaiteriteri beach to meet fans.
Get in early: The gates at Sports Park open at 3.30pm. Organiser George Sturgeon hopes locals get in early and buy their tickets. “Seats aren’t numbered so it’ll be first in first served, even in the grandstands,” he warns.
Kick off is at 5.30pm. Car parking will be easy with stewards directing incoming cars from Nelson to parking spaces at Motueka High School.
Pre match entertainment: As a reward for getting there early, there will be plenty to keep you occupied. A singing competition will see three top entries to a More FM promotion sing before the game with people in the crowd encouraged to vote for their favourite via text message. The “Crusader for a Day” will also fly in in the Summit Rescue Helicopter and all proceeds from the programme sales will be donated to the helicopter.
There will also be plenty of food and drink stalls and even coffee carts.
Big crowd expected: It’s been four years since the Crusaders last came to Motueka and George reckons this is going to be the biggest crowd ever. In 2008 when the Hurricanes came there was a 10,000 strong crowd. George expects that record to break this week. “Being on a Friday night and with many people taking an extra-long weekend there’s every chance of it.”
The game: The preseason match will be played over four 20 minute quarters so expect plenty of substitutions and even more tries. George reckons the atmosphere will be great.
“Unlike other places where they play, no one’s very far from the game. You can see the Crusaders warming up. You’ll be so close you’ll smell their sweat. I remember when the Hurricanes were here a woman by the dead ball line, only 5 feet from the action, was amazed by the whites of Jerry Collin’s large eyes.”
Aftermatch: Straight after the game kids are encouraged to go and meet their stars and get an autograph or two. The players will hang around on the field to sign autographs. After the players have signed autographs and had a shower they will be heading back to Christchurch that night. There will be no official after match function for the game.
The reward: If the crowd turns up, Tasman Rugby Union CEO Tony Lewis says it will further encourage the Crusaders to look at Nelson for two Super 15 games in 2015 when the FIFA under 20 world cup will be in Christchurch.
The locals: There will be several familiar faces to locals heading along to the game. The Crusaders coach is former Golden Bay man and Tasman Makos head coach Todd Blackadder.
The Crusaders will also have former Nelson College 1st XV captain Mitchell Drummond, who says he’s still pinching himself over his role in the team. “A year ago I was sitting watching them on TV, now I turn up to practice and they’re my team mates.” Other locals playing for the Crusaders include Motueka born Owen Franks, Nelson born Ryan Crotty, Makos Kieran Foneta and Tim Perry while Mako Joe Wheeler will play for the Highlanders.
The organisers: The game would not be in Motueka if it wasn’t for a whole bunch of volunteers and business that put their name and money behind it. The efforts of the Tasman Rugby Union have also been huge but there are two men that have made it happen, well done and thank you to George Sturgeon and Shane Drummond.
Tickets: More than 3000 tickets have sold for the match but there are still plenty left so if you want to head along to this great occasion have a look at the ticket outlets below and pop in and see them. To book online visit www.makos.co.nz.
Tickets are available at Nelson i-site, New World Nelson, Theatre Royal, Nelson School of Music, Richmond Mall and Whitwells Motueka. Prices are from $17 for adults in the general admission area and are $7 for kids 16 years old and under.
