Canterbury's first Shield defence
Canterbury’s first home game of their unique 2011 season is only three weeks away – a Ranfurly Shield defence against North Otago – and coaches Rob Penney, Tabai Matson and Scott Robertson have been busy preparing for a season which will be unlike any other.
With AMI Stadium out of action, all of Canterbury’s home matches will be played in the afternoon at Rugby Park this year, where supporters will be up close to the action.
Head coach Penney is excited about the prospect. He said: “The kick-off times will be family friendly, the atmosphere at the ground will be superb, and it’s sure to be a unique experience for everyone – players, coaches and spectators.
“It could be quite educational for the crowd being so close to the action. They will get a real sense of the collisions and intensity out there. And the players will respond accordingly.”
He added: “This will be the only first-class rugby in the city this year due to the Crusaders playing away every week and the World Cup being moved away. We want to make Rugby Park a fortress this season and with the afternoon kick-offs we’re sure it will be.”
There will be temporary stands at either end of the Rugby Park field and the crowd will also have the opportunity of standing on the embankment across from the main stand. “It’s wonderful to have our embankment back,” added Penney.
Canterbury, who have won the National Provincial Championship for the past three seasons, kick off preparations for this season’s ITM Cup with a pre-season match against Tasman at Kaikoura on Thursday, June 23.
The first Shield defence of the season is against North Otago at Rugby Park, Christchurch, on Saturday, July 2.
Their last pre-season game is against Wellington at Porirua on Friday, July 8.
Canterbury’s first match of the season is against Auckland at Eden Park on Sunday, July 17.
And the team’s first home game of the season is the re-match of the Shield victory last year – Canterbury v Southland at Rugby Park on Saturday, July 23.
