Be the 16th player, join Shield crowd

McLean Park is in good nick but may be damp underfoot. Photo / File

While the forecast is not the flashest, passionate Magpies fans appear to be keen to do their bit to get their boys over the line in what is set to be a monumental Ranfurly Shield challenge from the high-flying Auckland side at McLean Park tonight.

Ticket sales as of yesterday afternoon had been solid, with about 6000 sold, Hawke's Bay Rugby Union commercial manager Jay Campbell said.

"We've had a very good take-up of the $10 ticket deal which we set up with the Napier City Council, which is great because at the end of the day we really need a full house for this one - Auckland will be up for it."

The $10 tickets, which are for grandstand seating, will be on sale at the park up until 10.30 this morning.

Mr Campbell said one of the most important members of the Magpies' squad for this clash would be "the 16th player".

"The crowd - they are the 16th man."

It was also important to get the younger fans involved and free face painting for kids would be happening behind the Harris Stand from 6pm.

As well, everyone entering before 7pm wearing black and white would get a free lollipop.

Mr Campbell said despite days of on-and-off showers the ground was in "good nick", although the cricket block area had shown signs of being damper underfoot.

"The Napier City Council staff do a great job and it won't really be a factor because hey, this is a winter game and we're used to it and we will adjust to the conditions."

He said the coaching crew were all too aware of the surface and underfoot conditions and would accordingly work that into their game plan.

The Magpies are only two steps now from storing the Ranfurly Shield away for another summer, and a win would set up a huge end-of-season clash with Waikato for the final challenge of the year.

There was also the prospect of a home semifinal and final for the ITM Championship and promotion to the Premiership for the Magpies.

"But it's one game at a time so we can't stress enough the importance of getting the locals there in big numbers to get us home."

Mr Campbell said Hawke's Bay was blessed by having staunch, devoted followers and accordingly crowd numbers had been good this season.

If it was set to be a damp night "just put on a poncho or a raincoat and get along".

As was the case at all New Zealand venues for more than five years, umbrellas - for safety reasons and allowing others unhindered views - were barred from being taken in.

-Kickoff is at 7.35pm.

GET TICKETS
* There are still $10 tickets available, only for purchase at McLean Park.
* Other tickets, for all stands, range in price and can be bought at the Chapman Pavilion at McLean Park, Napier; Tumu ITM, Havelock North, Hastings and Napier; by phoning 0800 224 224 or by visiting the website sporty.co.nz/magpies/Tickets-and-Fixtures/Tickets