Tonight’s landmark Bledisloe Cup Test in Hong Kong is a virtual sellout. Officials are hoping the 200 or so tickets left will be snapped up today so that 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 ever-popular 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 later today, 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 tonight, the Wallabies play further Tests against Italy, England, France and Wales on successive Saturdays before winding up their tour with a game against a world 15-strength Barbarians outfit at Wembley on December 6.
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