By RYAN EVANS Taranaki Daily News
Wednesday, 03 September 2008
All that's left now are the finishing touches as New Plymouth readies itself for tonight's historic All Blacks test match against Manu Samoa yesterday.
The match was announced slightly less than three months ago and yesterday Taranaki Rugby Football Union chief executive Mark Robinson said there would be a special feeling when the anthems were finally sung and the hakas performed.
"We always knew it was going to roll around quickly," Robinson said.
"By the middle of last week the hype really started to pick up and Sunday and Monday have been two huge days."
Yarrow Stadium was a hive of activity yesterday, as electronic equipment was set up, the field and stadium prepared, sound checks performed, stadium lights tested - all worked around captains' runs for the All Blacks and Manu Samoa sides.
Groundsman Bill Read said it would be fantastic watching the All Blacks run out on to his ground.
"It's good, a good feeling," he said.
"It's a first for me and I have been here for many years."
He said preparations for the ground had been much the same as usual but said "the paint has to be a wee bit whiter than normal," with a smile.
Two cleaners were hard at it too, washing every surface in the changing rooms and tunnel.
Caterers at the ground were working flat out and had been for days, Eurest catering and events manager Estelle Dawes said.
They are looking after feeding not only the general public, but corporate guests and the teams as well.
A large quantity of food has been brought in including 30 pallets of various beverages, 100 15kg boxes of chips, 100 boxes of hot dogs, 40 boxes of fish, 16 boxes of burger patties, 3000 steaks, and 100 litres of tomato sauce.
The increased publicity over the past three days has seen ticket sales picking up again.
As of yesterday afternoon, less than 600 of the temporary seats were still available.
There are expected to be a small number left for walk-up sales on the night.
Accommodation around New Plymouth is filling up too.
Taranaki Motel Association president Deborah Tawa said people were already being referred to homestays and bed and breakfasts. Beds were still available in Hawera and Stratford and many people were being referred there, too.
She said the event was drawing a large number of corporate clients bringing guests to the match and fewer domestic visitors than an event such as the Elton John concert.
Ticketholders for the Yarrow Stand are advised to use the Tukapa St or Clawton St entrances. Ticketholders for the TSB Stand are advised to use the Maratahu St entrances.
Terrace ticket holders can use either entrance.
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