Northland rugby's No1 fan is urging other supporters to travel in force to the team's first "home" Air New Zealand Cup game, which is being held at North Harbour due to safety concerns. Stalwart supporter Nick Waihi says it's important the Northland Rugby Union does all it can to help fansget to the game, including putting on free coaches from Whangarei to Albany for the August 6 match. The NRU and NZ Rugby Union this week announced that Northland's first home Air NZ Cup game against Taranaki on August 6 can't be held at Whangarei's Okara Park. NRU chairman Andrew Golightly said the poor playing surface would risk players' safety so the game has to be moved to North Harbour Stadium. The news came as the NZRU announced a revamp of the competition from next year that would see the premier division cut from 14 teams to 10. Mr Waihi said that, with the spectre of Northland once again being cut from the competition, it was vital that fans got behind the boys in Cambridge blue this season. "I'll definitely be there (at North Harbour Stadium) but as the hosts it's up to the NRU to make sure they do all they can to get the other fans there," Mr Waihi
said. "It's not cheap going down there. "Free buses would be great or even a train from Whangarei to the nearest station to North Harbour, then coaches from there. "Now that would be a great trip. "Putting on coaches means the fans can relax while travelling down and they could indulge in a few refreshments without worrying about drink-driving." It was crucial Northland performed on the paddock this season to stave off the threat of demotion from the premier league, he said. Last season Northland were the highest finishing Blues franchise team in the Air NZ Cup, ahead of Auckland and North Harbour. "We need to get behind the boys this season so they can get into the top eight playoffs," Mr Waihi said. "Then they (NZRU) won't have any excuses to use to send us down. "So, go hard Northland and get behind the boys." Mr Golightly said the NRU would put on coaches for fans to get to the game but final details had yet to be worked out.
