Big screen secured for semi [Nelson Mail]

A big screen will be at Trafalgar Park for the premiership semifinal between the Tasman Makos and Canterbury on Saturday.

By a fortuitous bit of luck and use of contacts, Tasman Rugby Union chief executive Tony Lewis has managed to divert the 42sqm screen which is being sent from Auckland to Addington Raceway for the New Zealand Cup.

Lewis said the semi final would be the perfect opportunity for the crowd to enjoy the big screen which will show the Sky TV feed, including shots of the crowd.

"For all the punters worried about getting a better view at home, now they will be able to get the same televised coverage but on a big screen and with the crowd atmosphere which you don't get at home."

The screen will arrive on Saturday morning and will be set up at the end of Trafalgar Park by the Nelson rugby clubrooms.

By this morning 3100 tickets had sold, and Lewis advised those wanting to go to the game to buy tickets early. "They're going fast."

Meanwhile, assistant coach Leon MacDonald said: "Obviously we have a huge amount of respect for our old foes Canterbury.

"Their record speaks volumes but we also have a huge amount of inner belief in our own abilities to go out and get the result we want."

The MetService forecasts it will be fine for the match. The gates open at 5pm with live music until the 7.05pm kickoff.

Tickets to Saturday's game range from $5 to $35, from the Nelson i-Site, Richmond Mall, Theatre Royal, the Nelson School of Music, Whitwells in Motueka, and online Makos.co.nz