Kerikeri Domain ready for action

The Kerikeri Domain has been given a thumbs up from rugby officials after a final inspection ahead of its Air New Zealand Cup clash on August 15.
Representatives from the New Zealand and Northland rugby unions, Sky TV and Ruapekapeka-based security company Kia Tupato joined Far North District Council staff in checking out the venue yesterday.
NZRU tournaments manager Dan Tatham said the venue was "looking fantastic" for the Northland-Auckland match in just over a week. 
"The council and the union have done a good job getting the venue up to scratch. I'm very excited about it."
Tatham said there seemed to be huge interest in the Air NZ Cup game, the region's first outside Whangarei since 1976.
The one-off venue and community involvement would give the game a unique feel. Spectators would also be much closer to the action than they would at a regular stadium.
The pitch had improved greatly since he first came up in February, Tatham said.
As to who would win the August 15 clash: "I'd have to be picking Northland. Wouldn't you?"