The roof at Te Kaha brought a bumper atmosphere inside the stadium during Super Rugby Pacific’s ‘Super Round’ – but it also brought the heat.
The toughest conditions to play in this weekend no doubt occurred during the mid-afternoon Sunday match between the Highlanders and Moana Pasifika.
Highlanders skipper Ethan De Groot said things got hot under the roof.
“Yeah, it was hot, especially a midday game,” he said. “Bit of a greenhouse, but nah, awesome stadium.
“Almost as good as Forsyth Barr,” he chuckled.
Little reprieve was offered for the Chiefs and Drua kicking off at 4.30pm.
Players were visibly exhausted at the end of a frenetically paced match.
Two Drua players, who did not want to be named, said they struggled with the slippery ball and humidity, but they did not want this used as an excuse, particularly as they were scheduled to play indoors against Wales on Fiji’s tour to Europe in June.
Hurricanes midfielder Jordie Barrett played in the 5pm Saturday fixture and said the environment did make handling tricky.
“It’s got a different feel to Forsyth Barr, almost more like a European stadium, not as much airflow, quite humid and the ball gets a little more slippery.”