Rugby: Weather-delayed Highlanders arrive in Christchurch just seven hours before kickoff in their quarterfinal

The winter storm brings a months rain in one hour to areas around Timaru, causing widespread flooding

The Highlanders have arrived in Christchurch just seven hours before kickoff in their Super Rugby quarterfinal against the Crusaders.

The Highlanders had been scheduled to fly on Friday, but their flight was cancelled due to the South Island storm and the team was forced to delay their journey until Saturday.

The team's flight on Saturday morning suffered a brief delay and landed in Christchurch at 12.40pm, seven hours ahead of the 7.35pm kick-off.

The Highlanders last night lightheartedly asked the Crusaders to shift Saturday night's quarterfinal to Dunedin's indoor stadium after the team's flight to Christchurch was cancelled last night.

Chances on changing the game to Dunedin? 😂 we got plenty of Speights and it's warm under the roof. pic.twitter.com/e38v3q3WdX

— Lima Sopoaga (@LimaSopoaga) July 21, 2017

Highlanders loose forward Elliot Dixon jokingly suggested that a boat might be the best option to get the team to the game.

Hmmmm rain rain rain anyone got a boat that can take @Highlanders upto chch by 7pm sat?? Might need a wetsuit

— Elliot Wikaira Dixon (@MaoriGC) July 21, 2017

The Highlanders, of course, play their home matches under cover at Forsyth Barr Stadium, and cheekily suggested the Crusaders should instead come to them for the quarterfinal.

.@crusadersrugby thoughts on moving it to Dunedin? @ForBarrStadium looks real good about now! #HighlandersANDyou pic.twitter.com/o6I1G0Fb1H

— Pulse Energy Highlanders (@Highlanders) July 21, 2017

But after finishing top of the New Zealand conference, second overall, in the regular season and earning home advantage, don't expect the Crusaders to entertain the thought.