Eden Park in New Zealand is all set to host the Super Rugby Pacific final between the Blues and the Chiefs on Saturday night. The event has already sold out, with 47,000 people expected to attend.
Veteran Blues prop Angus Ta’avao is thrilled about playing in front of such a large crowd, having spent six seasons with the Chiefs between 2018 and 23.
The Blues and Chiefs clashed three weeks ago in the final regular season game, which ended in a 31-17 victory for the Blues. However, on Saturday, the Chiefs’ subsequent semi-final win over the Hurricanes secured their spot in the final at Eden Park for the second time in three years.
Ta’avao was part of the Chiefs side that lost to the Crusaders last year in Hamilton, a disappointing result after having won every game that season up to that point.
The 34-year-old will face some of his former teammates, including Quinn Tupaea, who underwent rehab last year. This final is anticipated to have the largest Super Rugby Pacific crowd of the year. The only other sold-out game in New Zealand is the regular season match between the Chiefs and Hurricanes in Hamilton.
The Chiefs are currently grappling with an injury crisis at hooker, with third-string Tyrone Thompson expected to be named in the starting team on Wednesday evening.
On the other hand, the Blues will likely field an unchanged side from the team that comfortably defeated the Brumbies in their semi-final on Friday night.
