Australia Blog

Day of Sport - Rugby Union

Aussies love their sports and I could post every weekend with this exact same title and drivel on about the upcoming NRL (rugby league) and AFL fixtures (Aussie Rules). But every now and again there's something extra special to get the crowds fired up.

Today is one of those days with the Tri-Nations rugby union tests kicking off tonight with the Wallabies taking on the All Blacks. The papers this week have been full of stories about NZ desperate to avenge their 'shock' loss to Australia in the 2003 World Cup semi-final in November last year. Kiwi halfback Justin Marshall has said he wants to put a hit on George Smith in retaliation for Smith taking him out in a late tackle in that game.

But all the talk ends this afternoon and it should be a cracking game. Both sides are in good form despite some injuries to key players. If anything, the biggest influence on the match will be the Wellington weather. It's supposed to be shithouse down there at the moment so we'll see which side holds the ball better in slippery conditions. Australia's record at the "Cake Tin" is pretty good too (1 loss in 5 visits).

Sit back and enjoy one of the most compelling international rivalries going around at the moment. Go the Wallabies!