Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Kiwis turn nose up at Bledisloe II

(Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

The All Blacks may win the Bledisloe Cup on Saturday night at Eden Park, their Auckland fortress.

ADVERTISEMENT

Yet they can’t give tickets away for the clash.

The Wallabies face New Zealand in the second of the three-Test Bledisloe series, having lost the first to their hosts 33-25 last Saturday.

The odd decision to play twice at Eden Park in a row came after the New Zealand government switched its border settings on the eve of the series, shifting game two from Wellington to Auckland.

Video Spacer

RugbyPass OFFLOAD | Episode 42 | Season Finale

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      Video Spacer

      RugbyPass OFFLOAD | Episode 42 | Season Finale

      The back-to-back matches show that even New Zealand’s favourite sporting team can reach saturation point.

      While New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has not given a crowd forecast, Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner said the attendance would be “well short of last week”.

      Mr Sautner told Radio NZ the combined attendance was going to be “in excess of 70,000”.

      Given last week’s match sold out with about 47,000 fans, that means organisers are expecting at least half-filling New Zeala nd’s biggest sporting arena.

      Tickets are expensive.

      The cheapest seat at Eden Park – high at one end of the pitch – are $NZ80 ($A76), with premium spots going for $NZ220 ($A210).

      ADVERTISEMENT

      Still, NZR is pulling out the stops to pack the stands.

      There are offers to club rugby members to bring their kids for free, and a buy-one-get-one-free deal for Sky TV subscribers.

      Air New Zealand is even putting on two jets for return flights plus tickets for the basement price of $NZ199 ($A190).

      The lack of intensity in the crowd is surely good news for the Wallabies, who will have to contend with less hostility from the outer.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      All Blacks skipper Sam Whitelock put on a brave face on match eve, saying “hopefully it’s more full than empty. The support we do have will be nice and loud”.

      After a week where the Australian hyped the contest in the media, in search of a psychological edge, captain Michael Hooper downplayed any advantage, saying “we haven’t even tho ught about it”.

      A win for the Wallabies would b e their first in 35 years at Eden Park, tying the series before the decider in Perth on July 28

      Bledisloe II kicks off at 7:05pm NZST (5:05pm AEST)

      ADVERTISEMENT

      HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Men's Highlights

      HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Women's Highlights

      Jet Lag: The biggest challenge facing international sports? | The Report

      Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

      Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry? | New Zealand & Australia | Sevens Wonders | Episode 5

      Kobelco Kobe Steelers vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

      The Rise of Kenya | The Report

      The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

      Trending on RugbyPass

      Comments

      0 Comments
      Be the first to comment...

      Join free and tell us what you really think!

      Sign up for free
      ADVERTISEMENT

      Latest Features

      Comments on RugbyPass

      N
      Natashajason 2 hours ago
      Don't get out over your skis on the Highlanders

      TRACE HACKER'S CRYPTO RECOVERY IS A GENUINE CRYPTO RECOVERY COMPANY


      It was a cold morning when I first realized the full extent of my loss. I had invested 150,000 euros into an online crypto platform, believing in their promises and the allure of quick financial success. But as the days passed, I discovered it was all a scam. My money was gone, and with it, my dreams of financial security.

      The feeling of helplessness and devastation was overwhelming. I tried everything to recover my funds contacting authorities, searching for solutions online, and connecting with others who had been through similar scams—but nothing seemed to work. I felt completely lost, as though there was no way back.One Sunday, feeling utterly defeated, I decided to visit Grace Church in Dublin, Ireland. I was searching for some peace and comfort. During the service, I shared my story with the congregation, explaining how I had been scammed and lost everything. I didn’t expect much—just a chance to speak to someone.

      Afterward, a fellow parishioner came up to me. He had been listening closely, and after hearing my situation, he shared that he had once been in a similar place.

      He had fallen victim to a scam too, and like me, thought his money was gone for good. But someone had recommended a service called TRACE HACKER'S CRYPTO RECOVERY to him. He decided to reach out to them, and with their help, he had managed to recover his lost funds.

      He suggested I contact them, believing they could help me too.

      Though I was skeptical, I was also desperate, so I wrote down their contact information. That evening, I called TRACE HACKER'S CRYPTO RECOVERY. From the moment we spoke, I felt a sense of professionalism and empathy that I hadn’t encountered before. They didn’t treat me like just another case. They listened to my story, took my concerns seriously, and reassured me that they would do everything they could to help.The recovery process was detailed and transparent. They kept me updated regularly, explaining each step they were taking. Weeks passed, and though I was anxious, I held onto hope. Then, out of nowhere, I received the incredible news: TRACE HACKER'S CRYPTO RECOVERY had successfully recovered 95% of my 150,000 euros. It felt like a miracle. I couldn’t believe it. Thanks to the team at TRACE HACKER'S CRYPTO RECOVERY, I was able to regain my financial footing and rebuild emotionally. I’m now more cautious than ever, but I’m also deeply grateful.

      Without the kind recommendation from that parishioner at Grace Church, I would never have found the help I so desperately needed.

      Today, I’m on the path to full recovery, and I can confidently say that TRACE HACKER'S CRYPTO RECOVERY gave me a second chance.

      Their dedication and expertise truly made all the difference in my life.

      Email:support @ tracehackerscryptorecovery. com

      Email: info @ tracehackerscryptorecovery. com

      Whatsapp: +447 35570 2876

      Website:https:// tracehackers cryptorecovery. com/

      4 Go to comments
      LONG READ
      LONG READ Mick Cleary: 'There appears little prospect of change at the top in Europe. That should be a concern to all’ Mick Cleary: 'There appears little prospect of change at the top in Europe. That should be a concern to all’
      Search