The game is part of a weekend of Max league matches involving all major associations in Christchurch, with Hagley Oval being used during the weekend.

The last time the teams were scheduled to meet at the ground last season was in a Shell Cup match, which was abandoned in controversial circumstances when the wicket was left uncovered.

The NPC rugby season finishes only two weeks before that if Canterbury has a home final again, underlining the overlapping of sporting seasons at the ground.

Meanwhile, Canterbury's Shell Cup programme will start with the traditional season opener against Otago on December 28.

Queen Elizabeth II Park will be developed as a second tier first-class venue and will host Conference and Shell Trophy cricket this season.

``We cannot go to Hagley Oval all the time when Jade Stadium is unavailable with three senior clubs who practise and play there,'' said CCA chief executive Tony Murdoch.