Editorial: AB visitors provide early thrill

Andrew Austin.

Productivity levels dipped in our offices for about half an hour yesterday morning, but staff excitement levels lifted dramatically.

You see, we were privileged enough to receive a visit from All Blacks Israel Dagg and Luke Romano, who were in town as part of the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union's Pack the Park campaign to fill McLean Park for the All Blacks vs Argentina test match on September 6.

They came to visit this newspaper's Hastings offices to thank us for helping to promote the upcoming match.

As with many professional sportspeople, they were a credit to their union. They chatted with staff and gladly posed for photographs. An added thrill was the fact they brought with them two massive cups - the Bledisloe and the Rugby Championship Trophy.

It was a great experience for all and we are pleased to have been a part of the Pack the Park campaign. There are still tickets available and it is important for us as a region that there is a full house at the game next month.

If McLean Park is packed to the rafters then the New Zealand Rugby Union will have no hesitation in giving us another test match.

We often hear people moaning about how Hawke's Bay misses out on the big occasions. Well, here is a perfect opportunity to show why more events should be held here.

Tickets to the All Blacks vs Argentina can be bought from www.ticketdirect.co.nz or phone 0800 224 224 or in person at the HB Rugby Union office, McLean Park, Napier.

Don't miss out on this opportunity. Do it for Hawke's Bay.