Fans urged to turn up and support shaken Tactix

Turn up to watch the Magic but barrack too for the opposing Canterbury Tactix team - that's the message local fans are being given ahead of next week's hastily-rejigged transtasman match.
Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic were to have played the Tactix in Christchurch but the game has been moved following the devastating earthquake and will instead be hosted by the Magic franchise at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre next Monday (7.40pm).
Last week's earthquake disrupted the Tactix team's training and playing schedule in the ANZ Championship and with constant after-shocks occurring, the squad hasn't gathered since the disaster occurred.
It was decided to move the franchise's next home game out of Christchurch in an effort to settle the team and help them re-focus.
While the takings from next Monday's match will go to the Tactix, the game will be run by Magic management.
"We are delighted to be on hand to assist the Tactix and support them as much as we can," Magic chief executive Sheryl Dawson said. "It's the very least that we can do given the trauma they have been through."
Fans for both teams are being encouraged to go along and show their support. "It will be challenging for the Tactix not to have a home crowd supporting them, especially on Magic's home turf," Dawson said. "We're asking the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic community to support the skills on show, no matter the team colours."
The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is also playing its part, with Kevin Eder, managing director of Tradestaff, the Steamers' major sponsor, also the chairman of the Tactix.
Jeremy Curragh, Bay Rugby Union chief executive, said they were contacting everyone on their rugby database urging them to get along and support Monday's game in Rotorua.
Meanwhile, All Whites soccer captain Ryan Nelsen is winging his way home to Christchurch to do his part to aid the recovery from the earthquake.
Nelsen was expected to land today after being granted permission by his Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean to fly to his home city after the quake.
The Blackburn club captain was sent off in Sunday's 4-1 loss to Aston Villa meaning he is automatically suspended for the Rovers' next match on Sunday. After that match, Blackburn do not play again until March 19.
Nelsen's agent, Hamish Miller, said the central defender would be in Christchurch "for a few days" and "just wants to play some part" in the recovery effort. The 33-year-old, who sported a black armband in the defeat to Aston Villa, faced an anxious wait to make contact with family and friends in Christchurch after the tremor and was greeted with the news that his sister went into labour during the quake and gave birth to a son.