The All Blacks will meet the Wallabies on four occasions in 2008. Two of those tests are on Australian soil - in Sydney and in Brisbane. The first Bledisloe Cup clash of the season will be played on Saturday 26 July at the impressive ANZ Stadium in Sydney's western districts. Built for the Olympic Games, ANZ Stadium has seen many epic sporting occasions including the Olympics of 2000, Rugby World Cup 2003 and annual NRL Grand Finals. The All Blacks and Wallabies christened it in 1999 when Australia won 26-7. Since then they have met eight times at this venue with Australia ahead 5 to 3. The All Blacks were impressive the last time they were at this venue, winning 30-13 in 2005.
The second Bledisloe Cup clash of the season is on Saturday 2nd August at Auckand's Eden Park. The third match is back at Brisbane's "Rugby Stadium" - the former Laing Park, now re-built and named Suncorp Stadium. The last time the All Blacks were there was in 2006 when they came home winners 19-3 over the Wallabies. The match in 2008, seven weeks after the Sydney clash, will be played on Saturday September 13th. Suncorp Stadium was rebuilt in time for the RWC 2003. It is purpose-built for Rugby Union and League. The stands are close to the playing field with intimate views from all angles. It is a short walk from the Brisbane city centre and central train station.
New Zealand has a very proud record against the Australians with 85 wins from 128 matches, with 5 draws; the Australians have prevailed only 38 times. With the Graham Henry-led coaching team back for another stint in charge of the All Blacks and Canterbury's favourite son Robbie Deans in charge of the Wallabies, this season's matches take on an extra edge as both camps try to repair the damage from their respective disappointments at RWC 2007 in France.
Both Sydney and Brisbane off the visitor a variety of exciting options. Sydney, the sophisticated worldly city of four million, is influenced by many different peoples and cultures. It has iconic sights such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House and is a shoppers' paradise, with its boutiques, department stores, factory outlets and markets. The dining and nightlife choices are exceptional and for those seeking a more leisurely experience the towns and beaches at Bondi and Manly are destinations in themselves. The public transport system is second-to-none, with a comprehensive easy to use train, ferry and bus network.
Brisbane on the other hand is the brasher emerging cousin of Sydney. Built on the banks of the Brisbane River, it is more relaxed and informal with a tropical climate to match. Its close proximity to the wonderful coastal resorts, the Sunshine Coast to the north and the Gold Coast to the south, means that the relaxed beach lifestyle is close at hand and that seems to pervade the atmosphere of the city itself. Many Kiwis have made Brisbane their second home and support for the All Blacks in Brisbane has always been strong. Why not extend your stay on the Gold Coast after the Bledisloe Cup weekend or venture further afield into Northern Queensland or south to the northern NSW regions around Byron Bay or Coffs Harbour?
Williment Sports Travel is proud to be the exclusive operator of All Blacks Travel, fully endorsed by the New Zealand Rugby Union. We are offering total flexibility in our options - you can go to Australia earlier or stay-on after. We have provided a range of "Inclusive", "Hotel & Ticket" and "Flight & Ticket" options. You can be part of a group, or travel independently. A trip to one of the Bledisloe Cup matches is a 'Trip for the Boys', a 'Trip for the Girls', or a 'Trip for Couples and Groups of Friends'. It's an ideal Reward for employees and customers, and a sought-after Corporate Incentive Event. Whatever the reason, a Bledisloe Cup weekend in 2008 will be a winner!
We have secured two exciting venues for our well-known Bledisloe Pre-Match Functions, including substantial snacks, beverages, guest speakers and entertainment. These are not to be missed, with only limited numbers available. Further details enclosed.
Initial demand is very strong, with many corproate groups and regular clients registering with us since August 2007. Flight seats over to Sydney and Brisbane on the Friday, and back on the Sunday are already in short supply. We do recommend early registration, via our booking for attached to avoid disappointment.
So, read on and find out how you can book and support the All Blacks on Australian soil in 2008. We do hope you can join us - we look forward to being of service.
Yours sincerely,
The Team at Williment Sports Travel
