Built in the wake of the devastating 2011 earthquake, the ground has seen the Crusaders become the dominant side in the competition, while the Drua have lost both of their games there.
Hooker Codie Taylor, who will also mark the occasion in his 150th game for the Crusaders, has never played on any other Christchurch ground for the side, and summed up what the former rugby league ground meant to the side.
“I see it as a place that was created to give hope to our city and our region. I was part of the wider squad when the earthquake hit, and I was part of that tough time the city went through.
“We travelled for every game that season, and then, eventually, we got a home ground.
“It became a place to bring hope and unify the city in a way. Rugby has done that down here. It’s a place we love to play at. It’s home.”
Coach Rob Penney said Taylor epitomised what it was to be a Crusader.
“He’s got over 100 Test matches and 150 games for the Crusaders. What a career. And he’s still got a wee way to go.”
The game will also be notable for a link to the side’s past, with prop Jack Sexton set to make his debut, 30 years after his father Matt appeared in the first season of Super Rugby.
Will Jordan, at fullback, is the starting captain for the side.
Missing from the side, however, is flanker Ethan Blackadder, who has a calf injury.
Corey Kellow will start on the blindside of the scrum with Johnny Lee on the open side.
The Chiefs will be without All Black Damian McKenzie and former All Blacks Sevens star Etene Nanai-Seturo against the Waratahs in Hamilton on Saturday.
Josh Jacomb will have another start at first five-eighths while Kyren Taumoefolau will start on the wing.
Prop Reuben O’Neill will make his 50th appearance for the side, and outside back Daniel Sinkinson is set to debut from the bench.
Coach Jono Gibbes said, “Daniel is a great reflection of how well our wider training group has contributed to our environment this season so far. He has been a consistent performer for us at training and for the University of Waikato Taua development side as well.”
Leroy Carter will have another start at centre as Daniel Rona (hamstring) and Lalakai Foketi (hand) are still recovering from their injuries.
The NSW Waratahs have shown what they are capable of with their upset 30-28 win over the Brumbies last weekend. And they beat the Chiefs 21-14 in Sydney last year.
But the Chiefs have won their last three games against the Sydneysiders in New Zealand and their last eight against Australian teams in New Zealand.
They are also one of the toughest sides to crack defensively, as they have missed only 18.5 tackles per game this season, the least of any team.
The NSW Waratahs will start with halfback Teddy Wilson, with Jake Gordon on the bench.
Coach Dan McKellar said the former Junior Wallabies captain has impressed with his all-round game.
“His running game is a clear strength, while he is an outstanding defender, but the most pleasing thing has been the development of his core skill, and his kicking and passing game.
“We’ve got two quality nines [halfbacks]. We need to make sure that we’re burning the candle at both ends with Jake, but also at the same time making sure we’re developing Teddy, understanding that we’re going there to win the game.”