"One hell" of a game on way

Hawke's Bay Magpies' Michael Allardice.

The Hawke's Bay Magpies first top-league ITM defence of the Ranfurly Shield is set to kick off tomorrow and the home side should have a solid army of vocal support on their side.

But as Hawke's Bay Rugby Union commercial manager Jay Campbell pointed out - "so will Northland".

"These guys will be tough and they are going to go that extra mile for the Shield," he said.

"The desperation to take the Shield changes a man - this is going to be one hell of a game."

While the black-and-white scarves and jerseys will hold sway in the stands, Mr Campbell said there would be a fair old number of Taniwha supporters who will be making the long trip south to McLean Park to support their side.

"I saw plenty of them yesterday and they were all over town - there have been blue jerseys everywhere."

He said even one local delivery man arrived at McLean Park yesterday wearing the Northland colours as that was where he hailed from.

"So they've all coming out of the woodwork."

More than 30 Taniwha supporters called in at the rugby union offices yesterday to grab tickets.

Mr Campbell said up until late yesterday ticket sales were edging towards 6000 after a sluggish start to the week. He expected the usual walk-up crowds to descend, but had some advice for them.

"That main gate tends to get slammed [with people] so get there a bit earlier."

He says the curtain-raiser will be "a ripper" also as the Wairoa College 1st XV takes on the Te Aute College 1st XV for the Unison 1st XV Challenge Cup B grade final.

"So it's going to be a big day and the Magpies are going need every last person they can get behind them yelling and screaming, because Northland will not be easy."

It has been a long time between drinks for the Taniwha boys and the famous Log o' Wood.

The last time Northland held it was in 1978 - 37 years ago, and they have have held it on three other occasions, in 1950, 1960 and 1971.

- Tickets will be available at the union office at the park from 9am and from noon at the gate on match day. Or go to Ticketdirect or any Tumu ITM centre. Stand tickets $20 to $30 with general admission (embankment) $10 for adults and $5 for children and students with ID.