Rugby: Chance for New Zealanders to join Chiefs' tribe

Expat New Zealanders will have plenty of opportunity to join the Chiefs' Super 12 war party to Canberra this weekend with 10,000 rugby semifinal tickets to be released publicly tomorrow.

Seats for Saturday's night's clash with the Brumbies go on sale through Ticketek outlets and the internet website from 11am (NZT).

If Chiefs fans are contemplating a trip across the Tasman to Canberra Stadium, a Brumbies spokesman said tickets could be bought before they departed or Australian-based friends or family will be able to purchase on their behalf.

Canberra Stadium has a capacity of 25,000 and officials expect another bumper crowd as the Brumbies seek to preserve their unbeaten home record in 2004.

At least one charter flight will take about 120 Chiefs supporters directly to Canberra from Hamilton.

The Chiefs' travel agency, Calder and Lawson, confirmed there had been enough interest shown yesterday to arrange the direct flight.

The $895-a-head package includes flights, accommodation, bus transfers and a match ticket.

ACT Rugby Union chief executive Rob Clarke said the finals atmosphere was starting to build in the chilly Australian capital.

"It's a couple of years (2001) since the Brumbies have hosted a home semifinal and I'm sure everyone is looking forward to it," he said.

- NZPA