By Editor in Rugby on 11th Sep 2008 6:40
Waikato rugby bosses expect interest in the province to explode leading up to the test at Waikato Stadium on September 12, also the first time Hamilton has hosted a Tri-Nations test.
The New Zealand Rugby Union unveiled its 2009 domestic test schedule on Tuesday, which will see the All Blacks play six tests in five different venues, including the first visit by France to Dunedin. Auckland and
Christchurch will host just one test each because of construction work at Eden Park and AMI Stadium respectively to prepare those grounds for the 2011 World Cup.
Wellington benefit with two tests, against France and Australia. Waikato Rugby Union chief executive Graham Bowen was delighted with the outcome after Hamilton missed out on hosting a test this year.
"We've been hanging out for one of these big tests and the day's finally come, so we're ecstatic," Bowen said "We've probably been looked at more favourably this time because of the lower capacity in Auckland and Christchurch.
"It certainly gives us the opportunity to show we're a serious host of top international teams and I think we'll have people hanging from the rafters trying to get a ticket."
Temporary seating will lift capacity by 5000 to 30,000, as happened when New Zealand Maori played the British and Irish Lions in 2005. Waikato Stadium's five tests, all since 2002, have been against lesser drawcards - Italy, Wales, Argentina, Ireland and Canada.
Bowen said Tuesday's announcement alleviated some of the pain caused by missing out when the 2011 World Cup playoff venues were finalised last week. He was still hopeful of receiving some "good quality" pool matches when they are allocated.
Source & More : www.stuff.co.nz
