Helicopter dries pitch at AMI Stadium ahead of Super Rugby semi-final

  • 29/07/2017

Reinforcements have been called into AMI Stadium to help dry the pitch ahead of Saturday night's Super Rugby semi-final between the Crusaders and Chiefs.

A helicopter spent time hovering over the field in an attempt to help dry the field, which was still wet from last week's storm that rocked the South Island.

Last week, the Crusaders and Highlanders played in a mud bath at the ground and stadium CEO Tim Shannahan did not want the field to suffer any more damage.

"Whenever we have a field as wet as this we have to use all the tools at our disposal to get it in the best possible condition," said Shannahan.

"We have very little wind today. So while there is some sun there is not enough heat in it, and with no wind we want to create some, and that is what a helicopter can do when hovering over the field."

Some reports suggested former All Black and Crusaders flanker Richie McCaw was flying the chopper but Newshub can confirm a different company was used for the job.

Saturday's semi-final kicks off at 7:35pm, with the winner to face the Lions or Hurricanes in the final.

Newshub.