All Blacks: Cops warning as city prepares for test-site vetting

Captain Richie McCaw does a little PR after the All Blacks' training session at Waikato Stadium yesterday. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Hamilton's preparation for its brightest rugby moment is being tempered by police warnings for spectators to guard against opportunistic crime.

The All Blacks-versus-Springboks Tri-Nations match on Saturday is being seen as a litmus test for the city's hosting of three Rugby World Cup pool matches in 2011.

The Hamilton City Council, police, and Waikato Stadium staff hope to satisfy the International Rugby Board and other World Cup officials, who will be scrutinising their management of the occasion.

But with a large number of visitors expected to travel from Auckland and other points for the test, Hamilton police are warning fans to be vigilant about their security.

Inspector Marcus Lynam said random break-ins of vehicles and homes increased during tests.

Police would have a visible presence throughout the city and would be working with the hospitality industry to try to encourage a positive atmosphere before and after the match.

Yesterday morning, the All Blacks had their only pre-test public training and autograph session, attended by more than 1000 fans.

The Springboks do not arrive in the city until Thursday.

Council event facilities manager Mark Christie said temporary seating had boosted the capacity of the stadium. All 31,500 tickets have been sold for the South Africans' first test appearance there.

"It is a big game for us, and with a lot of World Cup officials coming, there is serious interest in the place," said Mr Christie.

Hamilton I-Site manager Liz Stolwyk said accommodation in central Hamilton was nearly all booked and latecomers were being diverted further from the city's hub.

"We have had a lot of practice for big events, as we have hosted the V8s a few times. We will never put the full occupancy sign out, but we have had to send people to bed-and-breakfast locations and out of town as the hotels are all packed," Ms Stolwyk said.

The weather is expected to be mild for the test. Weatherwatch predicts a light northerly wind, a high of 17 deg C and some cloud.