Super Rugby champions the Highlanders have been preparing to take on arch-rivals the Crusaders in a very unusual location.
A farmer's paddock in Southland has been converted into a rugby ground for the pre-season match.
It's the country's newest rugby ground and Fred Booth Park in Waimumu is a sell-out.
Workers have spent the last year converting the grazing paddock into a top level ground, with room for almost 7,000 spectators.
"As far as a natural bank for the field of dreams, I think it's going to be outstanding. People are going to get a great view, there's going to be a lot of fun had on the bank," Farmlands regional manager Harry Soper said.
It may be pre-season but the Highlanders are expecting a good workout for their first home game since claiming the Super 15 title.
"Two quality sides. Crusaders are arch-rivals really, both from the South Island, very much got farming backgrounds in both sides," Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said.
"It'll be quite cool just to play in front of them on a rural pitch, with rural supporters. So we're actually looking forward to it," Highlanders hooker Ash Dixon said.
It's brother against brother in the captaincy department. New recruit Luke Whitelock getting the nod for the Highlanders, with older brother Sam leading the Crusaders.
Their coaching team keen to ensure the festival atmosphere doesn't spill over onto the park.
"Festival or not outside the white lines, inside it's game time," Crusaders coach Brad Moore said.
Many fans will be coming from across the road at the Southern Field Days where the game's trophy was on display.
It's a hard pitch, slightly undulating, and planted with farm grass rather than the turf grass more commonly used on sports grounds. That may make for a game of hard knocks, a good test for two of rugby's top sides.
Newshub.
