Lunch Box a sell-out for South Island derby
This is the first sell-out for the franchise, as well as the largest home crowd the Highlanders have experienced at the Dunedin-based indoor stadium – affectionately know as the 'Lunch Box' – that was opened by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on 5 August 2011.
The highest recorded Super Rugby crowd in Dunedin was in 2003, also against the Crusaders, with a crowd of 29,376 in Round Six at the old Carisbrook Stadium.
Roger Clark, CEO of Highlanders says that this is incredibly exciting and unique.
"We are overwhelmed with the support of our fans down here in Dunedin," Clark said.
"This is absolutely outstanding and we're can't wait to see everyone tomorrow night and put on a great show."
Head Coach Jamie Joseph said games "don't come any better than this" – a match up with one of the best teams in the competition, in-front of a sold out home crowd.
"This is what our boys get up and play for," Joseph said
* Meanwhile Highlanders wing Patrick Osborne has re-committed to with the franchise for the 2017 season.
The exciting wing has played 47 games for the Highlanders since his debut in 2014 and has formed a lethal partnership with fellow Fijian Waisake Naholo.
Osborne will play for Japanese franchise Kubota Spears later this year, before returning to Dunedin for the 2017 Super Rugby season.
He has made himself available for the Fijian national team in the June international window.
Highlanders CEO Roger Clark said: "Clearly we are delighted the Pat has committed to the team again, he very much represents who we are, and how we want to play as a franchise.
"He has been a great ambassador for rugby in New Zealand, has inspired many young Highlanders and Canterbury fans and we fully support his pursuit of an international career."
Having formerly been with the Crusaders and Chiefs Osborne has enjoyed his time in the deep South.
"My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Dunedin, in the Highlanders' environment and are happy to recommit for 2017," Osborne said.
Osborne said his decision to sign in Japan and play for Fiji was about family and the pride of playing for his country "I have been honoured to spend time in the All Black's environment but am very proud of where I come from and have decided to commit myself to the Fijian team it's an exciting new challenge that my family and I are looking forward to."
