It will be a Massive Weekend of Rugby in New Zealand because not only does the national team, the All Blacks play, but their female counterparts the Black Ferns also play on Saturday.
Both New Zealand sides will play Australian opposition, in a double International at Eden Park (main picture). An exciting concept, which could entertain fans with ‘double delight’ if the home sides succeed.
And then to support this, there are National Provincial Championship matches as well. Seven matches are scheduled from Saturday to Sunday afternoon–it all aims toward setting up the Mitre 10 Cup and Heartland Championship finalists, for the following weekend [October 28-29]. It all makes for a massive weekend of rugby.
Double International from Eden Park
5:05pm – New Zealand Black Ferns v Australia Wallaroos
The women’s International rugby calendar is full in 2016. The New Zealand team, the Black Ferns will play five tests this year–beginning on Saturday.
Australia are a team highly motivated to face New Zealand (NZ) a traditional foe for both women and men, and the Wallaroos aim to test themselves against the best. Even though the Australian team in fact, have never been challenged NZ in 12 attempts, this year will be a fresh challenge.
Checked out Eden Park before our first Test of 2016. Catch us live on @FOXRUGBY & online via @abcgrandstand tomorrow from 3pm AEDT pic.twitter.com/pEEEzStyml
— Buildcorp Wallaroos (@WallaroosRugby) October 21, 2016
Not just for the season but from the point-of-view of exposure. The women’s game deserves increased attention too, with the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup, to be played in Ireland. In a quest to extend the reach of women’s rugby to new audiences, inspiring participation, interest and engagement. But also to promote equity in the sport and improve fan recognition.
New Zealand clear favourites
The more that the Black Ferns play in high profile matches; rather than scheduled in lunchtime games, away from all the attention, is better for the women’s game. Rather, they must be promoted, as has occurred with the Farah Palmer Cup. The final was broadcast on Sky TV and given national recognition.
And with players fresh from that demanding competition [won by Counties-Manukau] many will naturally see the Black Ferns as clear favourites. Some will think they are the reigning champion side–ask fans who the World Champions are? and some will mistakenly say NZ. Untrue, as England hold that title.
So this test match is not only match one of a two test series, but also a step towards NZ regaining their RWC crown. If they play with the confidence and run with the ball, then the firepower of Portia Woodman, Kendra Cocksedge, captain Fiao’o Fa’amausili and Eloise Blackwell should be too strong for the Wallaroos.
Massive Weekend of Rugby
7:35pm – New Zealand All Blacks v Australia Wallabies
This massive weekend of rugby hits it’s highpoint when these two men’s sides collide. The third match this year between the finalists of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Australian fans will hope for better results.
As suggested yesterday, with the All Blacks side named, the Kieran Read led side are fully focused. During the Captains Run today on Eden Park, the number eight forward confirmed what many believed already, that the NZ team are the better prepared team.
“We know what we can do. Preparation gets us over the line. We know what’s at stake, and we must raise our game. There’s no bigger game than on Eden Park” which is a reference to an incredible record.
22 years unbeaten on Eden Park
In an unparalleled streak, the All Blacks are unbeaten against all sides at Eden Park since 1994; winning their last 35 matches straight at the stadium in Auckland – including the both 1987/2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) final victories.
- Since defeat to France in 1994, the All Blacks have scored 1,222 points and 133 tries in 36 games at Eden Park, 33.9 and 3.7 per game respectively
- 36 games played–13 have been against Australia. Other than the Wallabies, 10 other sides (inc. the Lions) have visited Eden Park to play New Zealand without winning since France’s victory back in 1994
- Opta Sports data collected, does not bode well for Stephen Moore and his team: Australia have a 17.2% win rate at Eden Park–that drops to just 14.8% in games against the All Blacks, excluding 2011 RWC matches.
- Australia have failed to score more than 20 points in any of their last eight visits to Eden Park to play New Zealand, failing to cross the tryline in three of those eight games.
What can fans expect on Saturday night?
Michael Cheika delayed his sides announcement until Friday morning. Why? What advantage did that give his side? The answer is none, and he risks undermining the confidence in his side to match NZ.
Such a record requires much more than shear luck. A ‘lucky bounce’ of the ball could account for one or two tries, but if the Wallabies have only scored 17 points, to the All Blacks 71 points scored in two matches played so far….where can the imbalance be reduced?
Team selection shows that the direction of the team may improve. Bernard Foley is more organised and less intrinsic than Quade Cooper. Foley also pairs well with Nick Phipps. Outside of that, Phipps is known to be a combative player–handed a sanction from SANZAAR for interfering with an Argentine medic during the last test match.
Wallabies missing key figure
Phipps is required because Will Genia; the Wallabies best player, has been ordered to return to his French club. An insight into the risky policy that Australian rugby employ by selecting overseas-based players. They now lose a key figure–CEO Bill Pulver (below) could regret that selection policy.
Fact: The Wallabies will be the longest-priced outsiders in Bledisloe Cup history on Saturday @SMHsport https://t.co/neSBeWYhrg
— Tom Decent (@tomdecent) October 19, 2016
While captain Stephen Moore is experienced, in becoming the fourth most capped player, he is not as forthright and successful as Read. The NZ captain is playing his best rugby, indeed a key player for the home side. Supported by others who are each as important as the other. The All Blacks have a balanced side, not relying on one or two players alone.
That will be the difference after 80 minutes. The scoreline might be 34 points, or it might be just 11–the clear gap between the sides will be what secures another win for the home team. The Steve Hansen coached team rely on the collective 23 men. They hold all the cards, but won’t be relying on any luck to secure their 18th consecutive test win.
National Provincial Championship semi finals
As well as International test matches, the grassroots of the game in NZ is being celebrated too. Across Saturday and Sunday, games will be played to determine next weekends final fixtures.
MITRE 10 CUP SEMI FINALS
- Otago 27 Bay of Plenty 20 – Friday October 21, 7:35pm (C)
- Wellington v North Harbour, Westpac Stadium – Saturday October 22, 2:35pm (C)
- Canterbury v Counties, AMI Stadium – Sunday October 23, 2:05pm (P)
- Taranaki v Tasman, Yarrow Stadium – Sunday October 23, 4:35pm (P)
(C) for Championship teams, and (P) for Premiership teams
HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS SERIES
(all matches October 22, 2:30pm)
- Lochore Cup Semi 1: Mid Canterbury v North Otago, Ashburton
- Lochore Cup Semi 2: King Country v Poverty Bay, Te Kuiti
- Meads Cup Semi 1: Wanganui v Wairarapa Bush, Cooks Gardens
- Meads Cup Semi 2: South Canterbury v Buller, Timaru
__________________________________________________________________________
Look forward to match reports for the Bledisloe Cup match and women’s test. Followed by the NZ Rugby Grandstand column out on Monday, with Last Word On Rugby.
“Main picture credit”
