Christchurch has turned red... but this time it's not the Crusaders they're backing, it's Tonga.
The small island nation soared into the men’s quarter finals of the Rugby League world cup after smashing New Zealand in Hamilton last week, and will face Lebanon in Christchurch tomorrow night.
Tonga supporters in Christchurch. Photo: Checkpoint
Legions of fans, young and old, took to Christchurch's streets ahead of the game to make their support loud and clear.
Around Cathedral Square, cars were lined up, their windows and bonnets covered with red and white Tongan flags, and people were dancing in the street.
Kala and his family travelled from Auckland to see their country play.
"Tonga is the best team this year, and they are going to do it!" he said.
Kala did not rate Lebanon's chances.
"Maybe they are going to win... but I know that Tonga is going to do it tomorrow... I can't wait for the game," he said.
This quarter final was a big deal for Tonga's supporters.
Last weekend Mate Ma'a Tonga smashed New Zealand 28-22, overcoming arguably one of their biggest hurdles in the competition.
One supporter Jay, said this game is huge for the Tongan community.
"This is a big deal for everyone, this is an awesome team and I think the players are going to get to the final this year... this is huge."
The Tongan community also came out to financially support their team.
Last night, about $15,000 was raised at a local church for the players, as they only receive a $300 dollar per diem, minimal match payments and no victory bonuses.
A supporter, Tamaa, said Tongan fans needed to get out in force to back their team, who played for their country rather than money.
"They are willing to play for their own country instead of [money] ... they play for a sense of pride," she said.
Canterbury police were also making preparations, albeit with less dancing.
This comes after 53 people were arrested in South Auckland last weekend, after Tonga's victory over New Zealand.
Senior Sergeant, Matt Emery, was organising the police deployment tomorrow, and he said he hoped they did not see a repeat of what happened last weekend.
"We've had some great liaison with the community this week," he said.
"We're expecting an excited crowd, but for all of our planning we are pretty confident we are not going to see any repeats of the violence and disorder we have seen up north."
The game is set to begin at 5pm Saturday.
