ACT Brumbies director of rugby Laurie Fisher has a simple plan to help the Super Rugby province get a $150,000 windfall from Saturday's grand-final rematch against the Waikato Chiefs at Canberra Stadium – just put another layer on.
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The Brumbies' had a mixed start to ticket sales for the qualifying final; a strong early uptake by members on Sunday was offset by an error that prevented about 500 Snowy River members from booking their tickets.
Their individualised passwords had been entered into the system incorrectly, but the problem was rectified by Sunday afternoon.
It's the second membership bungle this season.In February, members were forced to queue up before the round-two clash against the Queensland Reds after receiving incorrect cards.
The Brumbies have laid down the challenge to Canberra for the Chiefs blockbuster and general manager Simon Chester has pledged to donate $20,000 to charity Hands Across Australia if they get 20,000 people to the game.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Wednesday and the Brumbies are looking at holding a barbecue for the players and the public in Civic on Thursday.
"It's a grand-final rematch [and the Chiefs] had a sellout crowd last year, and the guys think that played a huge part [in the win] with the crowd cheering on the Chiefs in the last 15 minutes when they ran us down," Chester said.
"Canberra's got the opportunity now to see us progress in this campaign and get a big crowd out there."
Brumbies chief executive Doug Edwards was happy with the 16,159 crowd for the Anzac Day clash between the two sides earlier in the season and was looking for a similarly strong turnout for the do-or-die final.
He said there had been a worrying trend of declining crowds across all football codes in Australia this winter, but Super Rugby crowds were down even further in South Africa and New Zealand.
"We don't budget for finals, so we do get a windfall when we do get a home final," Edwards said.
"It's important to us to maximise and capitalise on this opportunity."
Fisher was hoping Canberra would get behind the Brumbies, who are looking to send off a raft of players and staff in style, including captain Ben Mowen, who will become the province's most capped skipper this week, and retiring club legend Clyde Rathbone.
If it's cold on Saturday, the solution is simple.
"The weather won't bother us and nor should it bother anybody who wants to come along and watch," Fisher said.
"Just put another layer on and come out and enjoy the experience."
SUPER RUGBY QUALIFYING FINAL
ACT Brumbies v Waikato Chiefs
At Canberra Stadium, Saturday 7.40pm
Tickets available from Ticketek
