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Test sellout not likely

Only a tidal wave of late interest would have all 35,700 tickets sold.

The lack of interest in what doubles as the first of three Bledisloe Cup tests has left promoters scratching their heads.

However, Canterbury chief executive Hamish Riach said it was not a case of too much rugby. He believes the cold weather has deterred punters from attending the only test in Christchurch this year.

"Night tests in July are fraught with weather issues and I think that is definitely a factor," Riach said. "We have little control over what games we get and the order they are in. We would like them later, but that is not up to us."

It is not only in midwinter that Christchurch crowds have been reluctant to attend games.

Despite their continued success in recent years, the Crusaders have struggled to attract full houses outside grand finals at Jade Stadium.

Riach acknowledged supporters may have become accustomed to success with the Crusaders and Canterbury, but said the entities were always looking at new ways to market matches. More money had been spent promoting the test.

The All Blacks' second test against Ireland in Auckland did not sell out, although it was only 1000 seats short of being full.

New Zealand Rugby Union marketing and sponsorship manager Fraser Holland said the slow sales were not a concern.

"Considering the weather you have had recently 30,000 sales is a pretty good amount. We are pragmatic about it. At the end of the day, we are committed to having more tests in Christchurch."

Although the cold snap could be blamed for sluggish sales, it is not expected to continue. MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt predicted fine weather for Saturday.

"We're going to be in for a nice day. It will be around 7deg or 8deg at night, but the high winds should keep away the frost."