Ranfurly Shield no shows just the ticket

Just over 9000 people had a ticket to Wellington's first Ranfurly Shield defence in 26 years and didn't go to the game.

Wellington rugby said yesterday that 23,187 tickets were "sold" for Saturday's game against Tasman but only 14,143 were at Westpac Stadium to witness a jittery Lions side repel Tasman, winning 26-20 to ensure the shield stays in Wellington over summer.

Ticket "sales" included 2000 complimentary tickets and another 2875 given away free to children, while 14,741 were season ticket holders, stadium members and corporate box holders.

Of the 9040 who weren't at the game, about 7000 would have paid for their ticket, Wellington union chief executive Greg Peters said yesterday. "It varies from game to game, but that's not an uncommon amount.

"People buy their season tickets with the hook of two test matches and the right to buy tickets to the sevens."

Having access to the Super 14 and Air New Zealand tournaments was just a bonus for many, he said.

Peters admitted it would be good to have everyone with a ticket at the game, but said Wellington still had the best crowds in the Air New Zealand Cup.

There were 7148 at the opening game against Hawke's Bay, a paltry 6260 for the Counties-Manukau match, 15,242 to watch the Bay of Plenty game, 13,422 at the Waikato game and 14,143 on Saturday.

The best crowd - for the Bay of Plenty game - was on a sunny Saturday afternoon and Peters said that was their preference for the quarterfinal, but they were happy with the next best option.

There are four slots - 7.35pm on Friday and Saturday, 2.30pm on Sunday and 5.05pm on Saturday. Wellington wanted the 5.05pm Saturday game.

As top qualifier, Wellington get first dibs unless broadcaster Sky Television demands they play in another time slot.

Meanwhile, Peters said it was impossible to predict who would challenge for the shield next year because the format was changing to ensure everyone played each other.

This year, Wellington and Canterbury could win the title without playing each other.

If Wellington were to have challenges from teams they haven't hosted this year, that would include Southland, North Harbour, Otago, Manawatu, Auckland and Canterbury.