VIDEO: Stormers will enjoy the 'glasshouse'

The purpose-built stadium, the only permanently enclosed rugby venue, means adverse weather conditions - so common in other parts of New Zealand - do not affect games ion the stadium.

It is known colloquially as 'the glasshouse', due to its resemblance to a horticultural hothouse.

Glenn Delaney, the Highlanders defence coach, said the struggling Stormers will be a 'big' challenge when the two sides meet in a Round Four match on Friday.

The Highlanders are coming off a bye, following their impressive 41-34 win over the Blues in Round Two.

The Stormers lost to the Waratahs (27-34) and the Crusaders (28-45) in the first two matches on their Australasian tour.

Delaney said the Highlanders had a 'really good' training week during the bye and used it as a chance to 'develop' their game.

However, he was still wary of the threats posed by the Stormers.

"They are not a bad outfit," he said, adding: "They didn't give up at all and came back really strongly in that game [against the Crusaders in Christchurch last week].

"They were down pretty heavily on the scoreboard early on [0-26 and 7-31], but they didn't give up.

"They are going to be a big challenge.

"They certainly enjoy dry conditions and that is what they will have on Friday."