Dunedin was in party mode yesterday, which sparked good natured, low-key revelry in the lower Octagon and its tent city last night.
Shop windows were adorned with black and white balloons and banners in support of the All Blacks in their Tri-Nations match against the Springboks.
One business had a miniature Carisbrook taking pride of place, complete with black painted soldiers battling green and gold opponents.
Yesterday's mild weather drew crowds into the Octagon before noon, and by 9pm the gathering had swelled to about 2000 within tent city for The Feelers concert.
At least a further 1000 were enjoying themselves at other lower Octagon premises during the evening.
Cafes and bars trebled their outside seating and doubled staffing levels, with one reporting a normal week's takings had gone through the till in 12 hours.
The 30 security officers on duty at tent city kept a low-key watch on proceedings and police boosted their usual complement of 15 officers, with a further six patrolling the central business district.
At 9pm, they were more in demand for photo opportunities with revellers than dealing with any bad behaviour.
Young people appeared outnumbered by groups of 40-something rugby fans making the most of ideal alfresco conditions.
Earlier in the day, a pipe band added to the atmosphere as workmen assembled tent city and other marquees around the Octagon.
Tonight's test sold out weeks ago, but terrace tickets were fetching up to $100 on one Internet auction site earlier this week.
The hype has left All Blacks coach Graham Henry with a content smile.
"Dunedin's been great," he said.
"The people have been hospitable and the weather has been superb. We have had a good build-up for the test.
"We have no complaints at all."
This year marks 100 years of test rugby at Carisbrook.
When the All Blacks beat the Anglo-Welsh 32-5 on June 6, 1908, the match report in the Otago Daily Times described the weather as so nice "the earth and sky seemed to sing for joy".
Conditions are not expected to be quite as agreeable today.
The forecast is for a southwest change in the afternoon bringing periods of showers.
Accommodation in the city has been in demand, with motels and hotels full.
However, Dunedin Visitor Centre manager Louise van de Vlierd said there was still plenty of B&B and homestay accommodation available.
Dunedin police will be out in force today.
Senior Sergeant Mel Aitken said a drink-driving operation involving police from Invercargill and Christchurch was planned.
