Christchurch test 'amazing'

The match will lift spirits. Photo / Simon Baker

The All Blacks' return to Christchurch next week will provide a much-needed boost for the city, believes the mayor.

Bob Parker will be among the predicted 21,000 fans when the teams take on Ireland in the quake-ravaged city on Saturday.

"For us this represents a pretty amazing moment in Christchurch," said Parker. "It'll be something that lifts the spirits of us all."

The mayor said rugby helped to keep Cantabrians' hopes alive in the dark days after the earthquake disasters.

"Throughout the quakes, the Crusaders became a beacon of positivity for the city," he said of the team's Super Rugby franchise.

Ireland's team spokesman Karl Richardson said the players were honoured to be the first foreign squad to play in Christchurch since the February 2011 catastrophe.

The team will visit the Red Zone, and meet members of the Irish community.