“It’ll be great for hospitality in the CBD; not just for us, but for everyone,” he said. While matches were moved to Inglewood’s TET Stadium last year because of Yarrow Stadium’s re-development, van Praagh said he does not get much traffic from matches out of town. “We still get support by the corporates but not the general rugby public, they’re a bit detached.” But he is expecting a big day on Saturday. “We’ve got quite a few booked in after the game. They can wander down the hill and we’ve got the team coming in.”
Former NZ cricketer and Taranaki representative rugby player and commentator Ian Snook also welcomed the move.
Robert Charles/Stuff
Rugby columnist Ian Snook is looking forward to seeing rugby played at Pukekura Park, where he often played as a NZ representative cricketer (file photo). “It’ll be pretty impressive if we get it filled up.” He played “many, many” games at the park during his years in the Central Districts cricket team. “I remember in 1974 we played Australia there. There were 3000 or more people there, it was an amazing atmosphere.” Shane McDonald, who played 118 games for Taranaki before moving into coaching and managing the team, said spectators would enjoy being up high and close to the action.
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