The highlands of Otago are (almost) ready and waiting for the arrival of the Highlanders for their pre-season match against the Crusaders on Friday.
Talk at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club yesterday was all about the turf, the tickets and the beer.
The turf is as good as, if not better than, that at Forsyth Barr Stadium, the ticket sales are close to the 6500 maximum, and the beer is in the big cooler.
Wanaka Rugby Club president Richard Pledger, club member Danny Greig and groundsman Chris Rook talk turf. Photo: Mark Price
It has become one of the hottest parts of the day.
The size of the crowd will be almost twice that of the Ranfurly Shield match hosted by the club in July last year.
The sides are playing for the Farmlands Cup and, while the result will not matter in respect of the Super Rugby competition, Simon expects a win will be no less important for both sides.
‘‘I think sports people always worry about who wins. They’re a competitive breed.
‘‘She’ll be on for young and old down here.’’