Colin Meads represents the heavy artillery enlisted by the Otago Rugby Football Union to promote the All Blacks v Springboks match, the first test in Dunedin in three years.
"Otago's had some hard times but it's over to the locals now, the people of Dunedin and of Otago, to get behind it and get a crowd along to the test this year," Meads said.
"There's a bit of pressure on, I suppose. Other unions might be saying they'll make more money or get bigger crowds or things like that. But that sort of stuff is wrong.
"It's important you spread rugby around New Zealand and give the young people everywhere a chance to see the top players," he said.
The Springbok test will mark 100 years of international rugby at Carisbrook.
A two-week period in which the Otago and Southland public can buy tickets before they go on sale nationally begins today.
Meads, who played four tests at Carisbrook, said he did not have to think twice after being asked to come south to launch the ticket sales.
"It's been a bit of a tough time for the Otago union and there's been a bit of talk that the New Zealand union might take games off Dunedin and that sort of thing.
"I just feel that the whole Otago area is very important to New Zealand rugby. In my day, when there were four tests in New Zealand, there was always one in Dunedin.
"It was part of the culture of our rugby and I think that has to continue. It's always been a special time down here.
"I remember huge crowds at Carisbrook, all the students out there either giving us a hard time or being very vocal in support of us. Carisbrook and Dunedin hold a lot of fond memories for me. The people were always good to us down here."
Meads arrived in Dunedin last night and was taken to the Shiel Hill Tavern for a beer with members of his devoted fan club.
Today, he and former Otago All Blacks Chris Laidlaw, Kevin Skinner and Marc Ellis will attend two promotional events, in the Octagon between noon and 2pm and at Carisbrook at 7pm.
It will also be Meads' 72nd birthday.
"That's right. But today's not about me. I'm just trying to boost the support for the test and I would urge people to support the game and prove that Dunedin can run a big test.
"It'll be a great occasion."
