NZ, AUS set for HK spectacle

With their Hong Kong clash doubling as the final preparation for the traditional end-of-year tour, both New Zealand and Australia are set to make the third-ever Bledisloe Cup match to be played on neutral soil a “ferocious” one.

New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew said, “Both the New Zealand and Australian rugby unions are fully supportive of the Hong Kong fixture and are committed to bringing one of world rugby’s legendary matches back to Asia. The upcoming end of year tour is vital for both teams going into 2011 and I know the All Blacks will be looking to put in a strong performance to kick off their tour on the back of a successful Tri Nations campaign.”

After New Zealand’s last gasp 23-22 victory last week in Sydney, both teams have everything to play for as they finalize their preparations for their tours of the northern hemisphere. On October 30, spectators will be treated to some ferocious on-pitch action amid the famous rugby atmosphere of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Stadium.

ARU Managing Director and CEO John O’Neill concurred: “The quality of Rugby in this year’s Bledisloe Cup series has been outstanding. These are the best two teams in world Rugby and the one-point separating them in Sydney last Saturday night underlines the closeness of the contest.

There is also no doubt that the game, as it is currently being played in the Southern Hemisphere, is as exciting as it has been at any other time in memory. At the international level there has been a plethora of tries and consistently scintillating attacking Rugby.

However, the ferocity of the trans-Tasman matches has not been compromised whatsoever. We’re confident the match in Hong Kong will be another entertainment package no sporting fan would want to miss.”

Trevor Gregory, Chairman of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) said, “The HKRFU and thousands of sports fans in Hong Kong and around the region are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the teams and we look forward to welcoming them with Hong Kong’s famous hospitality.

With the world’s two top ranked teams set to contest the latest match in their century-old rivalry, the Bledisloe Cup in Hong Kong promises to be another historic moment in Hong Kong rugby and I encourage people to get their tickets today.”

To date, over 14,000 tickets have been sold for the 40,000-seater Hong Kong Stadium and sales are expected to increase in the coming weeks. The HKRFU has confirmed that a sponsorship announcement will be made soon, reinforcing the strong interest in the region in the Bledisloe Cup Hong Kong match.

Tickets are available through HKTicketing