Carisbrook's fate hangs in balance

Steve Tew would prefer the Tri-Nations test between the All Blacks and South Africa next Saturday not be referred to as judgment day for Carisbrook.

Although the New Zealand Rugby Union has made it clear the Dunedin ground will be stripped of future tests if it is not upgraded, the union's deputy chief executive is treading lightly.

He is aware of the extensive backlash the drawn-out process to investigate the future of the ground has created, and of the perception the NZRU is tightening the noose around Otago rugby's head and bullying the debt-saddled union into committing to a multimillion-dollar upgrade.

"We'll wait and see how this test goes," Tew said. "It's not judgment day. We're certainly hopeful we'll see a full house next week.

"We'll have conversations about where the ground's going depending on its performance."

Carisbrook will likely get an All Black-Ireland test in June-July. After that, there is no certainty test rugby will be played in Dunedin at all.

The International Rugby Board is finalising its schedule for the next five years. The NZRU knows much of what it entails and hopes to go public in a few weeks.

"Carisbrook will be allocated matches, there's no question of that. But the level of those matches will depend on the facility," said Tew.

Then, the bombshell. Tew confirmed it was "unlikely" Carisbrook would host the Springboks in 2007.

Carisbrook is already off-limits as a Bledisloe Cup or Lions test venue, partly because the NZRU claims Dunedin's transport and accommodation are not up to scratch.

The realities of professionalism, where commercial requirements out-rank tradition, are hitting Dunedin harder than any other New Zealand rugby city. Carisbrook has slid down the rankings of stadiums so quickly it is now on a par with the Rotorua International Stadium.

Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Russell Gray knows the pressure is on.

"There's probably never been a more important time for the public of this region to show their support for not only the All Blacks, but also the Carisbrook stadium."

Working against Gray are factors such as Dunedin's winter chill.

Tew said NZRU had to be bloody-minded when it weighed up where to send tests it was allocated.

"I don't know whether anybody is keen to see Carisbrook drop off the calendar. It's an iconic part of New Zealand rugby ... but we have to live in the today, not the yesterday."

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES