It was only about 100 words but it started a process that led to more than $200 million being spent on a project that still divides a city.
In 2004, there was plenty of anticipation when the All Blacks got ready to take on the English in a two-test series at home.
The All Blacks had lost in the semifinals of the World Cup the year before, which had led to the dumping of coach John Mitchell, replaced by Graham Henry.
England had won the World Cup but came south without Martin Johnson and first five-eighth Jonny Wilkinson. They had been key to the World Cup win, and without them the English were half the team.
A crowd of 36,000 packed into a rather beaten-up Carisbrook for the first test, on a cold yet clear night.
The game started with a scything 70m run by All Black winger Joe Rokocoko and that was a sign of things to come. The home team scored early through Carlos Spencer and the black wave just continued as the English side fell apart.
The All Blacks led 30-3 at the break and ended up winning the game 36-3. The fans went home happy but not everyone was in such a great mood.
British rugby writers criticised Carisbrook and its rather dated look.
Eddie Butler, the rugby writer for The Observer wrote: ''Dunedin never quite fulfilled its dream of becoming the Edinburgh of the south.
''Carisbrook sort of sums the city up. It is a primeval rugby ground, an untidy pile of girders and concrete blocks on the edge of town, surrounded by a highway, railway tracks, coal yards, car repair shops, and second-hand dealerships.''
It is cold and old, cramped and damp. They do not serve prawn sandwiches here; they sell meat pies, low on temperature, high on gristle.''
Most thought Butler had just eaten a bunch of sour grapes. Sure, it was cold, but it was a winter game. And Carisbrook was Carisbrook. It had too much history to be discarded.
But Butler was on the money, and those in power knew it. Butler's criticism may have gone down like a lead balloon in Dunedin but it was the start of something which would dominate the city for the next 10 years.
Carisbrook was well past its use-by date and Butler's words, among others, sharpened the focus on doing something about it.
Within a couple of weeks, Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Russell Gray came out talking about the city needing a new stadium, and the risk of losing big-match rugby in Dunedin.
He wanted a new stadium with a retractable roof.
The ball was in play - and, oh, how this match would go on. You could fill a book - make that a library; actually, try the Pentagon - with the correspondence and debate produced over the building of a new stadium in Dunedin.
Years went by as first it seemed to be a goer, then on the backburner, then a dead duck, before it was finally given the go-ahead in August 2009.
Now, 10 years after Butler's rant, the rather marvellous $200 million-plus Forsyth Barr Stadium sits where the milk trucks used to pick up the bottles.
Gray said in 2004 he hoped a new stadium would cost about $100 million with the retractable roof. He got his roof, but it does not move. As for $100 million?
Well, what is a spare $100 million-plus among a few thousand ratepayers?
Test weekend events
Pre-match entertainment at Forsyth Barr Stadium
6.30pm-7pm: City of Dunedin Pipe Band, Stadium Plaza: The skirl of the pipes will usher rugby-goers into Forsyth Barr Stadium from 6.30pm onwards.
7pm: Musical build-up: In the 30-minute build-up to the game, musical entertainment will be provided by City Choir Dunedin performing rousing songs for the Brits from Last Night Of The Proms, ending with an item with Kiwi influence from singer Lizzie Marvelly.
Today, June 13
The Test Lunch is back! (SOLD OUT)
A little bit of tradition that has been passed over in recent years is to be reinstated today by the Highlanders franchise when it holds a test lunch for 200 guests on level 4 of Forsyth Barr Stadium. ''Here in Dunedin an official lunch was always held the day before the test and we felt it was a great opportunity to treat our commercial partners and their guests by bringing it back,'' said Highlanders commercial manager Mike Kerr. The decision proved a popular one. ''All tickets sold within a couple of days.'' Luncheon entertainment comes by way of a panel in a Q & A session relevant to tomorrow's test. This comprises former top sportsman Jeff Wilson, an All Black coach and two non-playing current All Blacks. Former All Black Justin Marshall will be master of ceremonies. Guests will also be lucky enough to stay on and watch the All Blacks captain's run.
''Remembering England in Otago'' Speight's Charity Cocktail Function, 6pm-9.30pm
Be entertained at the Glenroy Auditorium in Dunedin Town Hall by guest speaker, former All Black Eric Rush. Recall past English forays into Otago territory, bid on rare memorabilia, and enjoy the refreshments (food and first three drinks included in ticket price). Master of ceremonies will be Paul Allison. All funds raised will be used by the Otago Amateur Rugby Charitable Trust Inc to support amateur rugby in Otago. Cost $65. Tickets available from i-Site, Dunedin, 26 Princes St, telephone (03) 474-3300, call or text (0274) 988-009, email simon.anderson@rossdowling.co.nz
Tomorrow, June 14
OURFC opens clubrooms to public (10am-midnight)
The Otago University Rugby Football Club's clubrooms at the Oval at Logan Park, just three minutes' walk from Forsyth Barr Stadium, will be open to visitors and supporters from 10am to midnight.
Apart from enjoying the Nude Blacks rugby spectacle at 2pm, they will be able to purchase drinks and food from the bar, enjoy the rugby memorabilia, visit the Otago Cricket Long Room, buy from the range of supporters' gear, meet some of the club's luminaries and younger players and ''talk rugby''.
''We have an incredible facility here for international sport and decided that because of our close proximity to the stadium and that the club has provided 65 All Blacks, more than any other in the country, it will be a great opportunity for visitors to come along and enjoy our hospitality,'' organiser Graham McGregor said. Raffles and an auction including authenticated signed All Blacks test jerseys, Highlanders jerseys and signed leather rugby balls, will contribute to what is sure to be a memorable day.
England team community event:
King's High School First XV v Mt Aspiring College First XV (1pm-3pm)
Top talent from King's High School and Mt Aspiring College in Wanaka will vie for honours in tomorrow afternoon's game, which will be played at King's High School and watched by non-playing members of the England rugby team. They will present gear to both teams after the match. Spectators planning on attending the fixture should get there early in time for the teams' spectacular hakas!
Nude rugby (2pm)
It's become a bit of a tradition in Dunedin and tomorrow will once again see a midwinter baring of the buttocks and all when two sides, the Nude Blacks and the England Allcomers, get together on the University Ground at Logan Park. Ten years on from a game on a frosty St Kilda Beach, the Nude Blacks are once again up against an English invitational side. And, once again local identity Julie Woods aka ''That Blind Woman'' will be refereeing. Organiser Ralph Davies expects about 2000 spectators at the event, which will also include fund-raising competitions.
Sunday, June 15
Polar Plunge, Sunday noon
Although not specifically rugby-related, winter in Dunedin would not be complete without the St Clair Surf Life Saving Club Polar Plunge.
This annual event will be the perfect way to cool off after all the test fever. We recommend plungers to go ''Black'' or ''Union Jack'' in support of the two sides.
After the plunge heat up with a visit to the Fire Service warm water fire truck, plus Marlow pies and Bush Road soup.