Almost ready for kick-off

ALL SET: Nick Rogers checks the scoreboard at Eketahuna.

THE ground work is almost done, the seating has been arranged and supporters' flags are flying high ahead of this month's pre-season Super Rugby clash between the Hurricanes and Crusaders in Eketahuna.

The game being held on January 31, at the Eketahuna Rugby Club, will see the rural township (population 440) swell with 4000 rugby fans wearing their regional colours, says Nick Rogers, DB commercial and marketing manager.

"We've sold 80 per cent of the tickets for this fantastic Super Rugby clash already which shows just how passionate Crusaders and Hurricanes fans are," says Rogers.

"The last time these two teams met in Mangatainoka, it was all go with the Crusaders coming away with a great win. It'll be anyone's guess who takes the victory this time round but what is certain is how exciting the game will be."

Dennis "Doc" Dougherty, president of the Eketahuna Rugby Club, which celebrated its 125th anniversary last year, has been overwhelmed but not surprised by the community support for the game. He says a team of club members is working tirelessly to get the pitch and the surrounding grounds in top order to host some of the country's leading rugby players.

"The Christmas trees came down and the Hurricanes flags went up," says Dougherty. "Since New Year, it's been all go and we've got a great crew of enthusiastic people making sure the place is in top order to welcome the Crusaders and Hurricanes and their legions of fans. After talking to a few people in town, I think everyone who lives in Eketahuna willbe at the game. It's brilliant for the town."

Hurricanes CEO James Te Puni and his team are equally excited about the game.

"It's hard to believe we're nearing our first game already, but this is a match all of the Hurricanes crew are looking forward to playing and attending. It will be a great way to finish our week-long pre-season camp in Gisborne, and a good test for the players to put into practice everything they've worked hard for over the last two months.

"We know Eketahuna will put on a good show as hosts, and the Hurricanes and the Crusaders are looking forward to responding to that with a fantastic Super Rugby display."

This month's game follows the four previous sold-out pre-season games involving the Hurricanes franchise in the Wairarapa-Bush region - three of which have been played at Mangatainoka and last year's game played at Memorial Park in Masterton.

Rogers, who has championed all four games to date, says their success comes down to providing Heartland rugby fans with a family-friendly and memorable day of footie in their own backyard.

Like previous years, this match has pre- and post-game entertainment as well as an array of guest speakers.

-GA tickets for the Super Rugby pre-season game are still available through PGG Wrightson Stores and through Tui HQ, SH2, Mangatainoka. Prices are $40.