By Deanna Harris
Sonny Bill Williams is hoped to draw a crowd to tonight’s game – even if he doesn’t make it off the bench.
Canterbury Rugby Union chief executive Hamish Riach is hopeful that the international sports star will pull in punters to the ITM Cup match against Bay Of Plenty.
“I would certainly hope so but we have had really good support this season. We are seeing the level of support at the same level at the moment.”
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He says this year’s crowd numbers have already gone up a lot compared to last year.
“The Crusaders’ crowds are 41 percent up on last year. Our average for the ITM Cup is around 20 percent up.
“I think the stadium is a big part of it and we have lowered our prices. The team performing well has helped.”
Mr Riach says the huge amount of interest on Williams is due to his background which is different then other drawcard players like Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.
In July 2008 Williams left his Canterbury Bulldogs NRL club to join French rugby union club Toulon. He signed with the NZRU and Canterbury earlier this year in the hope of making the All Blacks’ World Cup squad next year.
“I think the difference here is that he has come from a different background and has been prominent in a different sport,” Mr Riach says.
Canterbury coach Tabai Matson said the much-anticipated naming of Williams in a red and black jersey has come on the back of “some good people looking” at his recent performances.
“We want to put the best team on the field each week. He is on the bench this time.”
Williams, if required, will play his first game in Canterbury colours this Friday in Christchurch – round six of the ITM Cup kicking off at 7.35pm.
3 News will bring you live updates throughout the match.
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