Early start to season not deterring rugby fans

The mid-summer start to the rugby season - two weeks earlier than in previous years due to the expanded super 14 competition - does not seem to be putting off the fans.

There have been arguments from some quarters that the season is starting too early and there is therefore little interest in the new competition.

But 25,000 seats have already been sold for Friday night's opener between the Blues and the Hurricanes at Eden Park, with at least another 10,000 expected to turn up on the night.

Blues Marketing Manager Grant McKenzie said it looked good for the season ahead, having averaged 32,000 last season at Eden Park.

McKenzie said they are optimistic of beating 2005 gates.

The club has marketed the game on Friday slightly differently to the usual pattern, given that rugby may not be on the minds of most sports fans at the moment.

Pre-match entertainment is being provided by Nesian Mystic and Che Fu, while the event has been labelled "the party in the park" on posters around Auckland.

- NEWSTALK ZB