Bledisloe Cup returns to Hong Kong for a series deciding fourth Test Match

After the unparalleled success of the 2008 event, the Bledisloe Cup returns to Hong Kong for a series deciding fourth Test Match.

A perennial favourite with Rugby fans, Hong Kong’s eclectic mix of shopping, nightlife, nature and culture provides the perfect weekend away, with fans returning year after year. Discover the myriad things to see and do in one of the most diverse and exciting destinations in the world.

Tour Dates: Friday 29th October to Monday 01st November, 2010

Event Date: Saturday 30th October, 2010

Check out the Hong Kong Stadium Seating Map right here

Two second half tries saw the All Blacks reverse a half time deficit to overcome the Qantas Wallabies 19-14 in an historic first ever fixture here in 2008, in front of thousands of Australian fans.

With FOX SPORTS TRAVEL taking care of your arrangements, you can relax, enjoy the action and cheer our boys on towards reclaiming the Bledisloe Cup. Nothing Beats Being There!

Package Information

Flights, Tickets, Merchandise + Other Information

Package includes quality accommodation in various locations in Hong Kong and the price starts at $950 per person based on twin share.

You can view photos and a description of the hotel accommodation by proceeding with the booking process and clicking on the hotel name when choosing your room type.

Functions: Package includes exclusive entry into our FOX SPORTS TRAVEL function to be hosted by Greg Clark and one of our other Fox Sports guests. There will be drinks, food and entertainment. Function details will be confirmed and provided with your travel documents approximately 21 days prior to the event.

The function will be held on Saturday 30th of October prior to the game.

Flights: You have the option to include return economy class airfares from Australian Capital Cities to Hong Kong as part of your package. Please follow the booking process for specific flight details – you can click on the flight to bring up full details of dates, departure/arrival times and flight routing. The costs of the flights indicated on the website do not include airline taxes. The current levels of airline taxes are between $195 - $340 depending on departure city and airline. As they can fluctuate on a regular basis, the exact cost of your taxes will be invoiced to you separately at the time of airline ticketing approximately 30 days prior to departure.

Airport Transfers: Regardless of whether you choose to purchase your flights through us or organise your own, why not let us take care of getting you to and from the airport by purchasing return coach transfers. They can be added to your package by following through the booking process. Please note that transfers will only be available to those arriving in Hong Kong on Friday 29 October and departing on Monday 01 November.

Merchandise: Merchandise included in this package will be the brand new Official 2010 Qantas Wallabies supporters Polo shirt by KooGa and a cap.

Match Tickets: Category 1 Match Tickets are included in all our HKG packages. Category 1 seating is the highest category of public seating & is guaranteed by the Hong Kong Rugby Union.

You have two seating allocation to choose from and you can download a seating map during the booking process to determine your preferred location. This is booked in a first in first served basis, so book early to make sure you guarantee your preferred location.

Sunday Activities: On Sunday, you have the option to undertake one of six activities showcasing Hong Kong’s finest. Further details can be found in the tour itinerary and by following through the booking process. Additional charges apply.

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is not included as part of your package price. We strongly recommend that at time of the booking you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover items such as but not limited to cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability. Please call one of our friendly staff on 1300 300 839 for assistance.

The Bledisloe Cup returns to Hong Kong - Saturday, October 30, 2010

This is the second time the coveted Bledisloe Cup will be played in Hong Kong, the home of international Rugby Sevens. In 2008, it was a narrowly won 19-14 victory for the All Blacks in front of a hysterical 39,000 strong crowd who had traveled from all four corners of the planet for the historical event – the first time that the Bledisloe Cup had been played outside Australia or New Zealand. This year the Qantas Wallabies team promise to be powerfully focused on demonstrating their dominance over Richie McCaw’s All Blacks to break six years of consecutive victories by the All Blacks. Will they be victorious or will the All Blacks take the Bledisloe Cup home for the seventh time in a row? Be there to find out yourself at this fiercely contested, fourth and final Bledisloe Cup Test match, one of the most keenly watched clashes of international Rugby, in fabulous Hong Kong this October!

Two and Three Night Hotel and Ticket Packages include: Accommodation, breakfast if stated, Reserved seated match ticket (East side lower level),all ticket licensing fees and handling, all local taxes and service charges. Extra nights are available on a request basis. Triple rooms use a roll-away bed and space may be limited. *based on hotel minimum stay requirements Return Airport to Hotel Transfers* are available via Hotelink Shuttle Service and must be pre-paid. Price includes meet and greet service - HK$200 *Service operates for arrivals between 0600-2300 and departures between 0825-2300. Seat plans: Reserved seat locations are available on request. Seat allocations are fixed and cannot be changed. Seats are in a good location between the Try-line and 22 metre line on the East (left) side towards the South Stand – away from the main entrance. Flights to Hong Kong: Assistance available on request Rates shown are per person in HK$ Hong Kong Dollars

DOWNLOAD DETAILS AND BOOKING FORM PDF For more information please contact eww@dmc.com.hk This offer is not available to residents of Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.

Reservations by residency: - Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia residents should book via Singapore at; World Express 114 Middle Road #05-01 Tel: (65) 6336 3877 Fax: (65) 6339 8625. E-mail: wxpsin@worldexpress.com.sg To discuss a group or specific details you can also contact Sales: Saktti Mane-Hammond on E-mail: saktti@events.com.au +65 8189 2192 - Thailand, India, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam residents should book through our Thailand office; Asia World Enterprise 4th Floor Unit 4B Evergreen Place Bldg 318 Phayathai Road, Rathathewi District, Bangkok Tel: +662 611 1771 ext 500 Fax: +662 611 3275 E-mail: sales5@asiaworld-travel.com Ms Sriayutthaya (Bank) - All other markets, including China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, USA/Canada, Europe (excluding UK), Middle East and Africa; DMC- THE Destination Management Company Hong Kong 1807 Dominion Centre 43-59 Queens Road East, Hong Kong. Tel: +852 2547 2321 Fax: +852 2547 8721 E-mail: eww@dmc.com.hk

DMC - THE Destination Management Company are appointed by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) to sell Travel Packages to this event via its own office and those Associate offices as listed above only. Tickets cannot be sold separately and packages cannot be split up. Packages are only available for sale to residents as specified. Packages must be paid in full within 3 working days otherwise they will be released back. Packages are non refundable. Full cancellation penalties apply. When booking we require exact passport names. Tickets will be delivered to your hotel or can be collected from our office in Hong Kong. Name changes will incur a fee of HK$300 per change per person. Credit card and bank deposit fees may apply.

Hong Kong Hosts Bledisloe Cup 2010

Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) is proud to announce today that Hong Kong will again host one of world rugby’s great contests in October when the New Zealand and Australia will return to Hong Kong for the first time since their historic encounter in 2008.

The HKRFU confirmed that the Australian and New Zealand rugby unions have accepted an invitation to play a match in Hong Kong, which will see the Bledisloe Cup series extend to Asia. The match will be played on October 30, 2010, and kick off at 4:30pm at Hong Kong local time (7.30pm AEDT; 9.30pm NZT).

“We always wanted to build on the tremendous success of the historic 2008 encounter, and are thrilled to bring the All Blacks and Wallabies back to Hong Kong,” said HKRFU Executive Director Robert Knight.

“Bringing the Bledisloe Cup back to Hong Kong will reinforce our position as a global rugby destination.” With millions watching on television around the world this is rugby at its best and a real showcase for Hong Kong. We are sure that the teams and fans alike will be in for a remarkable rugby experience,” added Mr Knight.

New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew said, “We are delighted to be again returning to Hong Kong for the Bledisloe Cup Test. The All Blacks have a huge fan base in Asia and the team is again looking forward to meeting and playing in front of our fans in Hong Kong. There was an incredible response when the All Blacks played the historic Bledisloe Cup Test match there two years ago and we are expecting a similar experience.”

"The Bledisloe Cup is an event of major international significance," said Australian Rugby Union Managing Director and CEO John O'Neill. "To take the game to Hong Kong for a second time in three years – and we went to Tokyo last year – is a sign that we are serious about embracing the Asian market. It's in Rugby's global interests to ensure our footprint becomes more distinct in Asia, and to build on the wonderful advances the Hong Kong Sevens has made for the code.

"Showcasing a fiercely contested Bledisloe Cup Test, one of the most keenly watched clashes in all of international Rugby, achieves that objective and also provides a unique 'neutral' setting for the Qantas Wallabies and All Blacks to experience."

HKRFU welcomes two teams playing the final match again in Hong Kong. They brought great international rugby action to the rugby fans in Hong Kong two years ago and we anticipate for more this year.

2010 BledisloeSeries

This year, Australia and New Zealand will meet three times as part of the Tri Nations Series and contest the final fourth match in Hong Kong.

New Zealand vs Australia Hong Kong Bledisloe Cup 2010 Live Streaming

There are so many “unknowables” in this historic Bledisloe Cup clash in Hong Kong, the first ever offshore Bledisloe, between the Qantas Wallabies and those blokes from across the ditch, predicting a result is extremely difficult – at best.

First up there is no current form – the last time the two teams played was against each other in Brisbane in September, a match won by the All Blacks by a measly 4 points.

Usually before a Bledisloe you’d have some kind of a form guide as both teams would have prepared with some hits out against European nations before the biggest Tests of the year.

But this time it’s the other way around – the Asian Bledisloe is first up before both squads depart on their end of season European jaunts.

The Wallabies haven’t played – either together or separately – for months and even then it was in club finals around the country so it is very hard to say how they’ll come up for this one.

Super coach Robbie Deans has, as those who have been at any recent Wallabies training sessions can attest, been working his squad extremely hard so fitness will not be an issue but as for ‘match fitness’ that’s another question.

On the other side All Blacks coach Graham Henry does have a squad that just finished playing in the Air New Zealand Cup, New Zealand’s domestic provincial competition, but he would not have been overjoyed by the form of his Wellington All Blacks last weekend as they went down to a Dan Carter-less Canterbury 7-6 at home in a dour final.

For both squads there is an air of experimentation as well.

For Deans it is a necessity rather than a whim with no less than six prominent Men of Gold unavailable due to injury or playing overseas. Take Wycliff Palu (injured), Rocky Elsom (overseas), James Horwill (injured), Lote Tuqiri (injured), Dan Vickerman (overseas) and Hugh McMeniman (injured) out of any team and you have to be on the backfoot.

But on the plus side those players coming in – Mark Chisholm, Dean Mumm, Richard Brown and Drew Mitchell (either playing their first Test of the year or starting their first Test) - will be jumping out of their skins to take on the All Blacks.

And they will be out to do everything they can to retain their spots for the rest of the tour.

The All Blacks have a comparatively settled look and are at virtual full strength, save fullback Mils Muliaina who decided to skip the Test to stay at home with his new-born son, but have chosen to gamble by bringing Stephen Donald in at flyhalf and shifting Carter to inside centre.

Carter is the best flyhalf in the world but how he will go at centre against our own Captain Courageous, Stirling Mortlock, is open to conjecture.

If Wallabies fans would want anybody to be marking the Kiwi superstar it would be “Snorky” who will give his all and more as he does every time he pulls on the gold jersey.

And there are other unknowns : how will both teams react to the hot steamy conditions for one ? They must suit the Wallabies more than the All Blacks. Not too tropical in New Zealand at last look.

And the unfamiliar ground ? Who will adapt best to that ? And the crowd – who will they support ? Many Wallabies and Kiwi supporters have travelled to Honkers for the big match but which colour will the locals choose to throw their voice behind ?

But despite all this in the end it may come down to a very familiar battle – the best openside flankers in the world - our own dual John Eales Medallist George Smith, up against the finest in black, and their captain, Richie McCaw.

Whoever wins this titanic tussle just might put their team on the road to victory. It’s worth tuning in just to see these two great scrappers battle it out.

The word from inside the camp is the man set for a big one this Saturday is flyhalf Matt Giteau, who freed from the need to cancel out Carter could excel on the big stage.

A moment of brilliance or two from ‘Gits’ and the Wallabies could be home.

If they are to win this one and tie the Bledisloe up for the season at 2-all, the Men of Gold must start well. With the injuries and new faces in the line-up if they get behind, the All Blacks may be very hard to peg back.

According to the bookies the Wallabies don’t start as favourites for this one but that’s exactly as Deans and Mortlock would like it. The Men of Gold have greatly enjoyed their spell in Hong Kong and let’s hope they’re enjoying it even more come Saturday night.

The plaudits are flooding in for the ARU and NZRU on their initiative in taking the Bledisloe to China and boosting the image of our great game on the world stage. Before the game has even been played the Hong Kong adventure is already a success – and just wait till kick off!

Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock and All Blacks captain Richie McCaw shake hands in front of the Bledisloe Cup during a pre-match gala dinner at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong, China.

Qantas Wallabies:
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies), 14. Peter Hynes (Queensland Reds), 13. Ryan Cross (Western Force), 12. Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies) (captain), 11. Drew Mitchell (Western Force), 10. Matt Giteau (Western Force), 9. Luke Burgess (NSW Waratahs), 8. Richard Brown (Western Force), 7. George Smith (Brumbies), 6. Dean Mumm (NSW Waratahs), 5. Nathan Sharpe (Western Force), 4. Mark Chisholm (Brumbies), 3. Al Baxter (NSW Waratahs), 2. Stephen Moore (Queensland Reds), 1. Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs).

Replacements:
16. Adam Freier (NSW Waratahs), 17. Matt Dunning (NSW Waratahs), 18. Phil Waugh (NSW Waratahs), 19. David Pocock (Western Force), 20. Sam Cordingley (Queensland Reds), 21. Berrick Barnes (Queensland Reds), 22. Lachie Turner (NSW Waratahs)

All Blacks:
15 Isaia Toeava (Blues), 14 Hosea Gear (Hurricanes), 13 Conrad Smith (Hurricanes), 12 Dan Carter (Crusaders), 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu (Chiefs), 10 Stephen Donald (Chiefs), 9 Jimmy Cowan (Highlanders), 8 Rodney So'oialo (Hurricanes), 7 Richie McCaw (Crusaders)(captain), 6 Jerome Kaino (Blues), 5 Ali Williams (Crusaders), 4 Brad Thorn (Crusaders), 3 Neemia Tialata (Hurricanes), 2 Andrew Hore (Hurricanes), 1 Tony Woodcock (Blues).

Replacements:
16 Keven Mealamu (Blues), 17 Greg Somerville (Crusaders), 18 Anthony Boric (Blues), 19 Adam Thomson (Highlanders), 20 Piri Weepu (Hurricanes), 21 Ma'a Nonu (Hurricanes), 22 Cory Jane (Hurricanes).

Australia

Nickname: Qantas Wallabies

National Emblem: the Wallaby

Home Union: Australian Rugby Union

Founded: 1892

Current IRB Ranking: 2

Coach: Robbie Deans

Captain: Rocky Elsom

On the web:www.qantas.com.au

New Zealand

Nickname: The All Blacks

National Emblem: A Silver Fern

Home Union: New Zealand Rugby Union

Founded: 1892

Rugby World Cup Record: Champions 1987, Finalists 1995, Semi-finalists 1991 (3rd), 1999 (4th), 2003 (3rd), Quarter-finalists 2007

Current IRB Ranking: 1

Coach: Graham Henry

Captain: Richard McCaw

On the web: www.allblacks.com

• Contested by the Wallabies and the All Blacks, the Rugby teams of Australia and New Zealand.
• The two countries have played Rugby against each other since 1903. The trophy was introduced in the early 1930s.
• The Cup is named after a former Governor-General of New Zealand, Lord Bledisloe, who held the post from 1930-1935.
• Bledisloe offered the Cup to the New Zealand Rugby Union in 1931, after that year’s match between the two countries which New Zealand won 20-13. The physical trophy was on hand for the first match of the 1932 series, won 22-17 by Australia.
• Bledisloe Cup games have been responsible for the two biggest crowds in the history of world Rugby – 109,874 for the “Match of the Century” at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney in 2000, and 107,042 at the same venue the previous year.
• Hong Kong was the first neutral venue for a Bledisloe Cup match , when it hosted the historic encounter in 2008.
• New Zealand has held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003.
• The longest either team has consecutively held the Cup is 28 years for New Zealand (1951-1978) and five years for Australia (1998-2002). .
• New Zealand has won the Bledisloe Cup 36 times to Australia’s 12.
• There have been 117 Bledisloe Cup matches. New Zealand has won 81 , Australia has won 32 , with 4 draws.
• The Cup Weighs 21.6 Kilograms (9kgs Cup and 12.6kgs Base)
• The Cup is silver with a wooden base.
• The Cup is valued at approximately AUD$220,000. The silver in the Cup alone is valued at AUD$126,000. But its real value to rugby followers in both countries is beyond measure.

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