Last game at the 'Brook'
The Otago Rugby Union is encouraging the public to get to the ‘Brook’ for a day to remember on Saturday, August 6.
Involving the rugby community on the day is a key focus for the Union as the curtain is finally drawn on Carisbrook – more famously known as the ‘Brook’ or the ‘House of Pain’.
The last official first class game at Carisbrook will see Otago play local rivals Southland in a rare afternoon NPC game, kicking off at 14.35 local time.
This game will be preceded by the Dunedin premier metropolitan club final and a junior march-past, involving all junior clubs from throughout the Otago region.
The day will also link history and future with two additional games on the hallowed turf.
An Otago Legends XV will square-off against their Southland counterparts and looking towards the future, the Taieri and Eastern Under-13 teams will also contest their final to kick the day off at 10.30.
“We are planning a day at Carisbrook that involves and acknowledges the many people, clubs and organisations who have been a part of rugby at this great ground over the years,” said Otago Rugby General Manager Richard Reid.
“Aside from the rugby on the day, we are also running two very important events to acknowledge those people who have made contributions both on and off the field.
“The day is significant and we have chosen a suitable piece of entertainment following the final whistle that all those in attendance will relate to and will allow us to close the door in an appropriate way.”
The Otago Legends XV is a side that includes former All Blacks and Otago greats.
The two Otago record holders, Richard Knight (170 games) and David Latta (161 games) will be joined by a number of players who have returned to Dunedin for this match.
Both Knight and Latta are looking forward the match, and the opportunity to run out onto Carisbrook was an opportunity not too be missed.
“I haven’t seen some of the boys for a while, so it will be great to catch-up and tell a few stories about the old days. It many ways it’s about the memories, and the chance to spend a day at the brook in the final hour will be very memorable,” commented Knight.
“It was a great idea to bring the boys together for a run on Carisbrook for the last time. As a player, I spent a lot of time at Carisbrook over my career and it will be fantastic to be a part of the day.” commented Latta.
One unique aspect of the Legends game is that jersey number 22 will be auctioned at the Friday night black-tie dinner, and the lucky auction winner will get 15 minutes on the field with the Otago Legends XV.
Otago Legends XV: Pita Alatini, Steve Bachop, Matt Carrington, Paul Cooke, Richard Knight, Brendon Laney, Dave Latta, Rob Lawton, John Leslie, Simon Mailing, Brent McCormack, Mike Mika, Kelvin Middleton, Nick Moore, Reuben Parkinson, Kevin Putt, Taine Randell, Arthur Stone, John Timu, Brendon Timmins, Kupu Vanisi.
Memorable Moments At Carisbrook (Courtesy of Ron Palenski):
1936: Otago beat Southland 16-3 in first successful Ranfurly Shield defence
1949: Otago complete six successful shield defences despite having 11 players in South Africa with the All Blacks.
1950: Otago beat the Lions
1957: Otago’s last successful Ranfurly Shield match (v South Canterbury)
1959: Otago beat the Lions
1963: Otago beat England
1966: Otago beat the Lions
1972: Otago beat Australia
1975: Otago beat Scotland
1978: Otago beat Australia
1980: Otago beat Fiji
1989: Otago beat Canada
1990: Otago beat Canada
1991: Otago beat Soviet Union; Otago won the NPC for the first time (note: no finals format)
1992: Otago beat North Harbour in NPC semifinal in first match in NZ to go into extra time
1993: Otago beat the Lions
1994: Otago beat South Africa
1998: Otago beat Waikato in NPC final
