Plea for big turnout of Blues fans

Blues first five Stephen Brett. Photo / Brett Phibbs

There could be thunder in the skies as well as on the pitch as the Blues play their biggest home match for years tomorrow - and Aucklanders are being urged to get behind their team.

Only 10,000 tickets have been sold for the Eden Park Super rugby playoff clash with the Waratahs.

Even though the weather is forecast to be grotty - thunder and rain are predicted - Blues marketing manager Grant McKenzie is hoping for at least double that number of fans to cheer on the team in the revamped venue.

The Auckland-based Blues qualified for the playoffs after finishing fourth in the regular season, giving them their first home playoff game since 2003.

The tickets went on sale only on Monday. Five thousand members who automatically get tickets during the regular season have had to buy them for the playoffs.

Mr McKenzie said it was a rare chance for Aucklanders to support their home team. "That would be terrific. It's a long time between drinks."

About 10,000 tickets had been sold so far, he said. "But we're getting a sense of a large walk-up crowd ... We're looking at a crowd of 20,000 - if everything goes in our favour, including the weather."

But showers and possible thunder are forecast for tomorrow, exacerbating the challenge for a stadium without roofs over many of its seats.

MetService forecaster Derek Holland said it was not looking like ideal rugby conditions for Eden Park between 7.35pm and 10pm.

"Oh, yes, we've got some weather coming," Mr Holland said. "Some heavy and thundery. We're expecting frequent showers and possibly strong westerlies."

He could not give the stadium much chance of avoiding rain, saying the showers were "definite". But the worst rain might come in the afternoon, somewhat weakening by kickoff.

"I'm looking at two models ... and it's grotty weather," Mr Holland said.

Auckland rugby legend Grant Fox urged rugby fans in the city to get in behind the team.

"It would be great if people turn out in large numbers. The players enjoy playing in front of a big crowd. Hometown support can be part of the edge."

Eden Park was special for the city's rugby players, Fox said. "It's home for the Blues ..."

In 2003, the Blues beat the Crusaders at Eden Park to become league champions. Their only playoff appearance since then was in 2007, when they lost in South Africa.

BIG GAME

Blues v Waratahs

* Tomorrow, 7.30pm, Eden Park.
* Weather forecast is "grotty" - showers with possible thunder and strong winds.

Tickets

* 10,000 sold, 50,000 capacity.
$35-$60 for covered seats,
* $20-$30 for uncovered.

Parking

* Many restrictions apply.
* See goo.gl/nlk43 for map.