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HK Bledisloe clash almost a sell out
October 31, 2008 - 10:31AM
Saturday night's landmark Bledisloe Cup Test in Hong Kong is almost sold lout.
Officials are hoping the 200 or so tickets left will be snapped up so a capacity crowd of 40,000 will be on hand to watch Australia take on New Zealand in the first-ever Bledisloe encounter played on neutral territory.
Winger Drew Mitchell, who has already had a taste of the festival-like atmosphere in the city during the famous Hong Kong Sevens tournament, said all the Wallabies were looking forward to the historic match.
"I think everyone collectively is excited about playing here," Mitchell said.
"It's certainly a unique experience for both teams involved.
"Personally, I've played a Sevens tournament here and, if it's slightly the same sort of atmosphere that they can create at the Sevens, that sort of carnival atmosphere that they have at that competition, then it's certainly going to be a good thing."
"And both sides will certainly draw for that and hopefully we've got quite a few gold jerseys out there."
Despite reports that the All Blacks will probably enjoy the bulk of the crowd support, the Wallabies will have plenty of fans in their corner, with some 4000 people travelling from Australia to see the Test.
"Plus there's a large community of expats living in Hong Kong, and everyone loves an underdog," an official said.
Both teams will hold their captain's runs on Friday, with the Wallabies desperate to avenge their last-up 28-24 loss to New Zealand in Brisbane on September 13 and kick off their six-match spring tour with a second win over the All Blacks this year under new coach Robbie Deans.
"Saturday is an historic occasion and one that the players are excited about and proud to be part of," Deans said.
"I said after our last meeting that we'd be happy to play the All Blacks in a car park to have another game with them, and I stand by that.
"So, regardless of whether there's silverware up for grabs or not, there are things that are up for grabs that are of far more value."
After tackling New Zealand on Saturday, the Wallabies take on Italy, England, France and Wales before winding up their tour with a game against a world 15-strength Barbarians outfit at Wembley on December 6.
© 2008 AAP
"Officials are hoping the 200 or so tickets left will be snapped up so a capacity crowd of 40,000..."
So they can fly two teams to a neutral fixture for 40k capacity but can't hold a Bledisloe in WA
Good to hear it's a success none the less.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
That has had me scratching my head as well.
Posted via space
Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.
Bear in mind going to a new venue, you have a group of new fans who do not have the merchandise like jumpers, hats etc, I am sure these sales are close if not more than ticket sales.
Therefore exploiting new frontiers does generate additional revenue that you may not get at an existing venue where a good deal of fans may already have these items or some of them and are not tempted by the occasion to buy more.
Couldnt find anywhere else to put this so....
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-23217,00.html
"Another overseas Bledisloe
By Iain Payten
November 20, 2008
THE financial success of Australia's recent Hong Kong stopover has ensured another offshore Bledisloe Cup next year - but at an undecided venue.
A revenue-raising fourth clash with New Zealand this year yielded $2million each for the ARU and their Kiwi counterparts. Both parties are keen to cash in again and are contemplating a range of new cities around the globe to visit. "
the rest at the link above.
Heres a suggestion: Try a new place thats really remote and doesnt have rugby as a major sport: Perth, Western Australia.
"12 Years aSupporter" starring the #SeaOfBlue
sad but true
Heres a suggestion: Try a new place thats really remote and doesnt have rugby as a major sport: Perth, Western Australia.
Chuck Norris has the greatest Poker-Face of all time. He won the 1983 World Series of Poker, despite holding only a Joker, a Get out of Jail Free Monopoly card, a 2 of clubs, 7 of spades and a green #4 card from the game Uno.
I don't mind being remote if it means we get a bledisloe.
The bledisloe can make us un-remote and get us the most beautiful and rectangular-y rectanglular stadium and get us a bledisloe EVERY single year...
Sigh.![]()
A kick in this game is like a rather nasty alcoholic shooter, only as good as it's chaser...
Courtesy of quality South African commentry