Hardcore Hurricanes fan Craig Werder has spent a cool $30,000 supporting his beloved team and is hoping tonight they will repay him with an elusive Super Rugby title.
The Taranaki dairy farmer has backed the Canes since his dad took him to a match in New Plymouth in 1996.
Hewas a 15-year-old kid living in his parents' pink-walled sleepout.
"I thought: 'Well, this isn't really ideal'. Pink walls ain't really it for a rugby fan, so yellow and black were slapped on.
Among the hundreds of merchandise and prized items he owns are 37 official team jerseys, another 18 signed jerseys, 14 polo shirts, 34 T-shirts, seven jackets and numerous hats, scarves, beanies and teddy bears.
He has a Hurricanes-branded fridge and his car has the number plate: HCANES.
Werder has been to 53 of the Hurricanes' 271 competition matches since their inception in 1996.
His cell phone mailbox tells you: "You have reached Hurricane."
"I'll milk the cows at [4.30am] then leave here about 9 o'clock."
He said he had enjoyed watching the team's style of play and had a real respect for its players.
Asked if he had ever liked another team, such as the Blues,Werder laughs heartily. "Don't swear like that," he says. "The only Blues person I support is Tana Umaga - he was a Hurricanes legend and still is."
The Taranaki backyard of Hurricanes supporter-in-chief Craig Werder is jammed with signs, banners and team jerseys. Photo / Facebook
