Post World Cup Friendies Angst

Something has gone wrong with the stuff story: "...New Zealand Football boss Michael Glading said the addition of the
Honduras game was "payback" for fans who have been so loyal since the
All Whites beat Bahrain to qualify for South Africa.

    "We now have two World Cup sides of obvious quality coming to New
Zealand with stars from the best leagues in the World," Glading said.

    "It's a football opportunity that's been rare in recent years but we
see it as a very special way for the team to thank the New Zealand
public for all their World Cup support."

    "Football has reached a new mark on in New Zealand's sporting
landscape and the time is right to celebrate that, and build even more
momentum, with a two very big events."

    Meanwhile, Otago have made two changes to the side which fell to its
third straight defeat of the season against Wellington in Dunedin last
weekend.

    Liam Coltman comes in at hooker for Peter Mirrielees who drops to
the bench, while Joe Hill gets the start on the right wing after Ryan
Shortland was ruled out with a leg strain.

    OTAGO: 15 Chris Small, 14 Joe Hill, 13 Ben Smith,
12 Josh Tatupu, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Glenn Dickson, 9 Sean Romans; 8
Adam Thomson, 7 Alando Soakai (capt), 6 Paul Grant, 5 Hayden Triggs, 4
Hoani Matenga, 3 Sam Hibbard, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Kees Meeuws. Reserves: 16 Peter Mirrielees, 17 Halani Aulika, 18 Seko Kalou, 19 Brad Cameron, 20 Johnny Legg, 21 Andrew Parata, 22 Paula Kinikinilau."

Huh?

Come down to Thames and get it.

I swear NZF are run by children.  I almost wish the game fails so that Auckland stop getting such preferential treatment above other (non-Wellington) centres and that NZF get the sufficient boot in the backside they need.  Almost...  but I'll rise above it.  Can't attend the game, though, due to work.  What's done is done.  4-1 to the All Whites, let's hope.

I'm assuming this is a 7:30 or 8:00pm kick-off?

I swear NZF are run by children.  I almost wish the game fails

Are you coming up T?

Of course. I will be at both games because I am a patriot.

Of course. I will be at both games because I am a patriot.

oh yeah, this game will be a success. itll be hyped up and sell out imo

yea I kinda hope this Auckland game will be a disaster so in the future Wellington gets them all. MUAHAHAHAHA 

Lol wouldn't it be hilarious if Wellington actually got the lowest (by a long shot) attendance, I mean the game prior to the must win Bahrain game drew 5/8's of bugger all didn't it.
It was mid week game to and although the kick off time from memory was crazy early in the evening we still failed to get 5,000 people in 

Something has gone wrong with the stuff story: "...New Zealand Football boss Michael Glading said the addition of the
Honduras game was "payback" for fans who have been so loyal since the
All Whites beat Bahrain to qualify for South Africa.
     "We now have two World Cup sides of obvious quality coming to New
Zealand with stars from the best leagues in the World," Glading said.
     "It's a football opportunity that's been rare in recent years but we
see it as a very special way for the team to thank the New Zealand
public for all their World Cup support."

    "Football has reached a new mark on in New Zealand's sporting
landscape and the time is right to celebrate that, and build even more
momentum, with a two very big events."
      Meanwhile, Otago have made two changes to the side which fell to its
third straight defeat of the season against Wellington in Dunedin last
weekend.
     Liam Coltman comes in at hooker for Peter Mirrielees who drops to
the bench, while Joe Hill gets the start on the right wing after Ryan
Shortland was ruled out with a leg strain.

    OTAGO: 15 Chris Small, 14 Joe Hill, 13 Ben Smith,
12 Josh Tatupu, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Glenn Dickson, 9 Sean Romans; 8
Adam Thomson, 7 Alando Soakai (capt), 6 Paul Grant, 5 Hayden Triggs, 4
Hoani Matenga, 3 Sam Hibbard, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Kees Meeuws. Reserves: 16 Peter Mirrielees, 17 Halani Aulika, 18 Seko Kalou, 19 Brad Cameron, 20 Johnny Legg, 21 Andrew Parata, 22 Paula Kinikinilau."

Huh?

I'm almost certain Auckland will get more or almost exactly the same as here.  They'll be itching to prove they will support the All Whites, have a Saturday night at a good football stadium (albeit a sh*t one to get to).

Meanwhile Welly has a midweek game which will impact the travelling chances and family options and is a much smaller market.  I'm calling both around 20k.

Can't believe it, Dickson is the worst first five in the country! Sack Ricki!

..because that was a resounding success against Vanuatu.

And people say that football in NZ is held back by parochialism and stupid intercity rivalry? Perish the thought.

Seriously... GRRR! I'll be in Wellington on October 9!

But the excuse for Vanuatu was that at 18:00 there wasn't time to get home from work and fetch the kids.

I'm almost certain Auckland will get more or almost exactly the same as here.  They'll be itching to prove they will support the All Whites, have a Saturday night at a good football stadium (albeit a sh*t one to get to).

Meanwhile Welly has a midweek game which will impact the travelling chances and family options and is a much smaller market.  I'm calling both around 20k.

PAX wars is going to be awesome between Wellington Auckland!!!!

Oh, ffs.I can pretty much guarantee you that this was never a straight Auckland vs Hamilton vs Christchurch decision for NZF. They will have gone for whoever presented the best deal, and rightly so when there is a financial risk involved. You have no idea what was put on the table by the various stadiums and councils involved. It's quite possible that AMI and Chch just priced themselves out.It's our national team play two home internationals against quality opposition, what more do you people want?Admittedly it's not easy to warm up to Auckland totally when a minority on here seem incapable of being gracious winners.