Eden Park's last stand

Fond memories: Kirk in the South Stand in 1987

The site of New Zealand's most famous rugby memory is set to become history as preparations continue for the 2011 World Cup.

The South Stand of Eden Park, the stand where David Kirk raised the Webb Ellis trophy way back in 1987, will play witness to its last Test match on Saturday before building work starts.

New Zealand play host to Australia in a vitally important game, not least because if they lose it will spell the end of their Tri-Nations defence, as well as being their third straight defeat.

The South Stand, built in the 1950s will be knocked down next week as the $240 million redevelopment project gets underway.

Rather than see the stand go to waste the NZRU will instead give parts of it away. The seats will be donated to Rowing New Zealand for use at their base in Lake Karapiro, whilst the floodlights will go to Counties-Manukau Rugby Union for the refurbishment programme of their home stadium at Pukekohe.

Sports memorabilia collectors have already snapped up signage and other park mementos in an online auction.

The South Stand, which is home to season ticket holders, hospitality boxes, the media and the changing rooms, was first opened in 1959 and has played host to some truly historic scenes.

Construction of a new 22,000-seat capacity stand is scheduled to start before Christmas while the ground's entire redevelopment project is planned for completion in 2010.

Eden Park will host the World Cup Final, as well as a semi-final, and will have a capacity of 60,000 once the work is completed.