Photo: Robin Martin / RNZ
There is more than one big rugby match on Saturday. Just hours after the All Blacks tackle Argentina at the World Cup in Paris, Taranaki will be hoping to attract a full house to Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth for the NPC final against Hawke's Bay.
It has been nine years since Taranaki won its solitary national rugby championship, when it beat Tasman in front of 21,000 fans at Yarrow. That was before the stadium was declared an earthquake risk and both covered stands closed.
Capacity will be 13,000, and spectators in the revamped West Stand will look out over a building site where the East Stand once stood.
Taranaki Bulls players training ahead of NPC final. Photo: Robin Martin / RNZ
Taranaki hooker Bradley Slater said the home final was just reward for the Bulls' long suffering fans.
"You know, I grew up here watching the Taranaki team being really successful and having big crowds. And ever since I've been in the team we haven't had that here, because we've been unlucky with the stadium and we had to play at Inglewood where we can't get so many people.
"So, last weekend was unbelievable, definitely the biggest crowd I've played in front of for Taranaki and this weekend is going to be extra special and I'm just looking forward to it."
He said the bond between the players was behind their success this season.
"We're just a great bunch of mates that love working hard for each other and we've got each other's back, and when it comes down to it we just love playing good tough rugby."
Head coach Neil Barnes was equally matter-of-fact.
"I don't think there's any secret to it - sometimes you've got to roll up your sleeves and work hard.
"I've got a team here of guys that are very close. They have a lot of fun together, but at the same time along with that hard work there's also a lot of pop and X-factor in them.
"These boys can play, so my thing is I want them to have the courage to bring that all out on Saturday."
He too couldn't wait to see grand final footy back at Yarrow.
"Massively so. I mean, this ground is the heart and soul of the province for our rugby.
"There's been a lot of great encounters and occasions in the past where this place has been full. So, it will be a wicked occasion and I'm really looking forward to seeing the place packed and putting on a good game of footie for everyone to watch."
Yarrow's owner - the Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) - is investing $80 million into the stadium rebuild project. This week contractors began pouring some 400 cubic metres of concrete, which will form part of the foundations for the new East Stand.
Taranaki Bulls players training ahead of NPC final. Photo: Robin Martin / RNZ
TRC chair Charlotte Littlewood said the timing of the final could not be better.
"Yeah well, if you're talking concrete I think this game is concrete proof that the Yarrow Stadium project is well on its way to achieving its vision of creating the best regional stadium in the country and that we can put on major events, so I'm super excited."
As was Taranaki Bulls fan Ben at Crowded House Bar and Grill.
"I'm fizzed up about the rugby at the weekend. Fizzed up. Long time supporter, can't wait, big crowd and I don't like Hawke's Bay, so I hope we get up and smash them."
Frank was expecting a huge crowd.
"I'm really looking forward to it. I'm taking the kids and when I went to get tickets all the stadium grandstand tickets were gone, so it's going to be a great atmosphere and hopefully we'll bring it home."
Photo: Robin Martin / RNZ
Anyone concerned Bulls' team protocols might involve the players missing the All Blacks' semi-final in the morning need not worry. Barnes would not have it any other way.
"Nah, zero chance. Look, at the end of the day we are going to be 100 percent behind those boys over there as they are for us, our fellas who are over there.
"It's just part and parcel of it - they are both happening at the same time, but we'll stay in the moment when it's our time."
The NPC grand final between Taranaki and Hawke's Bay kicks off just after 2pm Saturday.
The East Stand at Yarrow Stadium was due to be completed in 2025.
