By CHRIS RATTUE
Rotorua has hosted the Chiefs' two Super 12 wins this year but it has also provided a resurgence in support for the only New Zealand franchise yet to make the semifinals.
Gate receipts for the Chiefs were so bad last year that little South Island towns, associated with their successful franchises, made more money out of the Super 12 than first division Waikato and Counties-Manukau.
While the Chiefs have temporarily lost their base in Hamilton as Rugby Park is being re-built, Rotorua has come to the party.
Tonight, the Chiefs will attempt to announce themselves as decent playoff contenders in front of what could be the biggest crowd they have played to in Rotorua.
The previous best was 17,000 for the Hurricanes match in 1996. There were 11,000 at the re-modelled Rotorua International Stadium for the clash against the Reds this year, and 14,000 for the Blues, with about 10 per cent of those travelling from Waikato.
Pre-sales for tonight were 2000 above the 8000 for the Blues match, leaving the Chiefs hoping for a crowd close to 20,000.
It is the old story. Winners make grinners.
With two wins from four, John Mitchell's side might not be in the top bracket yet, but encouraging signs are there - as much to do with a do-or-die attitude on the field than the results themselves.
And Rotorua has played its part.
Mitchell said: "Sometimes it is easy to forget that places such as Rotorua don't often get the chance to see games of this level. And the playing surface here is absolutely superb."
One of the unknowns for Mitchell is how his side will respond to the two-week break, having had a bye after the win over the Blues.
The break can give sides the chance to re-group, get rid of minor injuries and spend extra time on skills.
But it can also leave players short on competitive instincts. The Crusaders and Reds appeared to suffer on that score when they clashed after having a bye.
"It's my first experience of this so we'll only really know after Friday night," Mitchell said.
One thing the Chiefs are expecting is a fired-up Tony Brown, after he was dropped against the Bulls.
Brown's aggressive approach on attack and defence at first five-eighths brings a great aspect to the Highlanders game. And he needs to stamp his mark for his All Black prospects.
While a big crowd is expected, it does not necessarily mean that the Chiefs will gain everything from the home advantage.
At Rotorua two years ago, the 15,000 spectators appeared split in support. The Highlanders' flags sold out and home flags still fluttered in the stall. The theory is that many people around the country retain Otago affiliations from their university days.
The Chiefs will put that to the test, with the ground announcer calling for rival cheers before tonight's game. They are confident that their resurgent franchise will easily win that battle this time.
New Zealand's Super 12 squads
2001 Super 12 schedule/results
Rotorua just the tonic to spark Chiefs
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