WPM R3 vs Auckland FC | Sat 2nd Nov | 5pm | RoF / Sky Sports 2 | March 4pm
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over 1 year ago
Rufer being injured is a massive loss, he has carried last season's form through the internationals and into this season, BUT we have the depth in the squad to cover his position. Conchie is now stepping up and looking like he has a big future ahead of him. Al-Taay (Whilst not Rufer) is decent enough to do the job. I have high hopes that Chief has this squad ready to step up into any position and do the job.
I don't remember how Rufer got the injury. Was it in contact with a Perth player?
At the final whistle last week he just sat down and the physio came over. He appeared to be in a lot of pain. In the post match interview he said he'd just got a little knock and he would be fine.
Straight after his interview on Saturday night I went back and reviewed the last few minutes of the game just to see it as I was a bit worried - couldn't see any contact with anyone on that leg in the last few minutes, nor did he appear to be struggling with that leg at all, he seemed to be moving completely fine. It was only after the whistle as he walked back into the box to shake hands with a player that he stopped and looked to suddenly be in a bit of painOi Oi Edgecumbe
I don't remember how Rufer got the injury. Was it in contact with a Perth player?
It’s going to be an interesting day tomorrow and like many Aucklanders I’m not sure how I will react and feel conflicted during the game.
Both teams I want to do well. Obviously down to history it’s the Nix, but having a new club in one’s city which for the majority of my life I have called home, I really really want it to succeed.
It may however end up being one of the more relaxing games I could watch, as if the Nix win, I may feel great and if AFC win, likewise.
Deep down however probably want a high scoring draw,
Anything less than 25k is an L for the Nix IMO. Hard to back up you are the home of football if the other place has already got more fans to a game this season. You can cope all you want about theirs being first game hype but this is the first derby and should have similar hype.
With Rufer out and Retre just returning from his injury do we all see the seasoned Retre coming straight into the XI as probably the closest like for like swap? Or do we look to go with Al-Taay, hell perhaps even spring a surprise with someone like Corban Piper (natural position being a 6, and at a pinch, an 8. Huge ask though) who would bring every ounce of the physicality that Ruf's usually brings, although we would lose a fair bit in terms of distribution and having that quality, controlling presence in the heart of midfield.
Absolutely gutted we won't be seeing a Rufer v Verstraeten matchup though - That was going to be a tasty battle in midfield, and now you sort of feel like they have that edge in the middle of the park. Verstraeten has been excellent for Auckland so far, their best player by a mile.
Forecast is for a sunny day with light SE breeze. Perfect weather to encourage any fair weather fans. Could push towards 18,000. The Nix managers will be ecstatic. It will be a nice cash boost right at the beginning of the season. Just need a win and everyone will go home happy(except bling fc)
I've gotta change the way I'm looking at this Rufer injury. He's my favourite player and I was super excited to watch him dominate AFC tomorrow, and now I'm feeling a bit deflated!
But I'm flying over later today for the match and it gives other players a chance to step up and prove themselves in his absence - which if they can do, will be super exciting in itself!
So let's do this! No Rufer, no worries - Chiefy will have a plan and if we win without Rufs - the victory may even just be that bit sweeter
If anyone on here knows of someone who wanted to head to the game tomorrow, but for whatever reason they may be finding the financial climate a bit challenging, or they're a bit down on their luck, flick me through some details in a DM on here or on Twitter (same username) and I'll hook ya's up. 🤙
Anything less than 25k is an L for the Nix IMO. Hard to back up you are the home of football if the other place has already got more fans to a game this season. You can cope all you want about theirs being first game hype but this is the first derby and should have similar hype.
I hate to break it to you but we were never gonna get north of 25k or even 20k for that matter. We've never had a regular season game have get that high and while sure this game is historic as 'The First Derby', to a casual they won't care as much. At the end of the day we're (to an extent) advertising this game as the start of something massive. Most casuals would rather come once it is already massive, unfortunately. Depending on how the derbies go however we could definately expect those kinds of numbers next season.
Forecast is for a sunny day with light SE breeze. Perfect weather to encourage any fair weather fans. Could push towards 18,000. The Nix managers will be ecstatic. It will be a nice cash boost right at the beginning of the season. Just need a win and everyone will go home happy(except bling fc)
18k?? No way, ticket sales are ALREADY at 18k. With good weather on the day and some more hype in the media today/tomorrow this could get very close to 30k.
Anything less than 25k is an L for the Nix IMO. Hard to back up you are the home of football if the other place has already got more fans to a game this season. You can cope all you want about theirs being first game hype but this is the first derby and should have similar hype.
Well there's the novelty factor for Auckland and the difference in population.
See what Aucklands crowd numbers are like in 18 years and get back to me.
Anything less than 25k is an L for the Nix IMO. Hard to back up you are the home of football if the other place has already got more fans to a game this season. You can cope all you want about theirs being first game hype but this is the first derby and should have similar hype.
Well there's the novelty factor for Auckland and the difference in population.
See what Aucklands crowd numbers are like in 18 years and get back to me.
Or even towards the end of the season, when fallen out of play off contention and it is pissing down with rain.
I didn't want a second NZ team, particularly from Auckland, I'm scarred by the Knights, didn't think we had the fan-base to support two teams and I didn't want any feelings for the new side.
However, early signs are good. I've even sat comfortably with my 'feelings'. This will be me: I'll support two teams. Not the Phoenix and anyone playing Auckland but, rather, the Phoenix and Auckland, when they're not playing the Phoenix.
Spain '82 is where it all really began for me. There were a few moments before, plenty of moments after, but that World Cup was the zeitgeist.
Anything less than 25k is an L for the Nix IMO. Hard to back up you are the home of football if the other place has already got more fans to a game this season. You can cope all you want about theirs being first game hype but this is the first derby and should have similar hype.
Well there's the novelty factor for Auckland and the difference in population.
See what Aucklands crowd numbers are like in 18 years and get back to me.
So many factors at play regarding attendance. Population difference, Auckland is 4x the population of the greater Wellington region. Economic factors, ie 6000 public servants in Wellington alone without jobs now. The weather! It's the first derby game vs the first game for the Black Knights in Auckland.
There's a hype around this game no matter what way you look at it, The Auckland centric media have been all about it all week. Some positive some negative. The weather looks good so the casual, decide on the day types will be interested (if they have the cash). If 18k is the PAX now, then add the memberships and freebies (maybe another 4k) that takes you to 22k. Walk up may take that to 23kish.
Anything less than 25k is an L for the Nix IMO. Hard to back up you are the home of football if the other place has already got more fans to a game this season. You can cope all you want about theirs being first game hype but this is the first derby and should have similar hype.
Well there's the novelty factor for Auckland and the difference in population.
See what Aucklands crowd numbers are like in 18 years and get back to me.
So many factors at play regarding attendance. Population difference, Auckland is 4x the population of the greater Wellington region. Economic factors, ie 6000 public servants in Wellington alone without jobs now. The weather! It's the first derby game vs the first game for the Black Knights in Auckland.
There's a hype around this game no matter what way you look at it, The Auckland centric media have been all about it all week. Some positive some negative. The weather looks good so the casual, decide on the day types will be interested (if they have the cash). If 18k is the PAX now, then add the memberships and freebies (maybe another 4k) that takes you to 22k. Walk up may take that to 23kish.
Agree but if Dome is saying they have sold 1700 today alone and it’s only midday, the surely they’d expect to shift another 3-7,000 in the next 29 hours given hype will continue to build in workplaces, bars, media, etc today. In that case I think 25-30k is realistic
Pretty disgusted with some of the stuff i have seen posted by SOME so called Phoenix fans on social media. WE dont want some of that attitude anywhere near the YF zone thanks. Seems we have some who like to play at keyboard warriors as well.
Got any screenshots for a name and shame?
I'm still yet to see anything from either side to be honest, although in fairness I use facebook very rarely nowadays...
There was a guy with “FKTHEPORT” printed on his nix shirt lol
But let’s not be too precious. Let the young ones have some fun, they don’t have to like other fan groups and can have some banter. Nix and yellow fever need that next gen coming through.
Gosh I’ve even seen Some people on the Facebook pages that were telling people not to boo the other team. Come on. It’s football embrace the passion. As long as it’s safe and fun
Speaking absolute sense 👍🏻
Thanks mate, getting sick of some of the comments seeing on socials policing what people can and can’t say/do.
I fell in love with the club 17 years ago and have created so many epic memories, so whatever it takes to get more people interested even if it’s a bit of banter with an opposing supporter group or going hard against the opposition so be it 🤷🏻♂️
Otherwise it starts to feel a bit cliquey in my opinion. Embrace it people.
mykey
WPFC2007_WinOrlose
mykey
Friar Tuck
YoungHeartHM
ballane
Pretty disgusted with some of the stuff i have seen posted by SOME so called Phoenix fans on social media. WE dont want some of that attitude anywhere near the YF zone thanks. Seems we have some who like to play at keyboard warriors as well.
Got any screenshots for a name and shame?
I'm still yet to see anything from either side to be honest, although in fairness I use facebook very rarely nowadays...
There was a guy with “FKTHEPORT” printed on his nix shirt lol
But let’s not be too precious. Let the young ones have some fun, they don’t have to like other fan groups and can have some banter. Nix and yellow fever need that next gen coming through.
Gosh I’ve even seen Some people on the Facebook pages that were telling people not to boo the other team. Come on. It’s football embrace the passion. As long as it’s safe and fun
Speaking absolute sense 👍🏻
Thanks mate, getting sick of some of the comments seeing on socials policing what people can and can’t say/do.
I fell in love with the club 17 years ago and have created so many epic memories, so whatever it takes to get more people interested even if it’s a bit of banter with an opposing supporter group or going hard against the opposition so be it 🤷🏻♂️
Otherwise it starts to feel a bit cliquey in my opinion. Embrace it people.
Agreed. A lot of you need to get off the high horse and get excited for a derby.
Anything less than 25k is an L for the Nix IMO. Hard to back up you are the home of football if the other place has already got more fans to a game this season. You can cope all you want about theirs being first game hype but this is the first derby and should have similar hype.
Well there's the novelty factor for Auckland and the difference in population.
See what Aucklands crowd numbers are like in 18 years and get back to me.
So many factors at play regarding attendance. Population difference, Auckland is 4x the population of the greater Wellington region. Economic factors, ie 6000 public servants in Wellington alone without jobs now. The weather! It's the first derby game vs the first game for the Black Knights in Auckland.
There's a hype around this game no matter what way you look at it, The Auckland centric media have been all about it all week. Some positive some negative. The weather looks good so the casual, decide on the day types will be interested (if they have the cash). If 18k is the PAX now, then add the memberships and freebies (maybe another 4k) that takes you to 22k. Walk up may take that to 23kish.
Agree but if Dome is saying they have sold 1700 today alone and it’s only midday, the surely they’d expect to shift another 3-7,000 in the next 29 hours given hype will continue to build in workplaces, bars, media, etc today. In that case I think 25-30k is realistic
I think he was saying that the Fever ZOne is 1,700.
It should be and will be 30k. Equal of a play of game for occasion. Nix done a solid by having the first ever derby. Times like this it’s good to have a big yellow stadium
Anything less than 25k is an L for the Nix IMO. Hard to back up you are the home of football if the other place has already got more fans to a game this season. You can cope all you want about theirs being first game hype but this is the first derby and should have similar hype.
Well there's the novelty factor for Auckland and the difference in population.
See what Aucklands crowd numbers are like in 18 years and get back to me.
So many factors at play regarding attendance. Population difference, Auckland is 4x the population of the greater Wellington region. Economic factors, ie 6000 public servants in Wellington alone without jobs now. The weather! It's the first derby game vs the first game for the Black Knights in Auckland.
There's a hype around this game no matter what way you look at it, The Auckland centric media have been all about it all week. Some positive some negative. The weather looks good so the casual, decide on the day types will be interested (if they have the cash). If 18k is the PAX now, then add the memberships and freebies (maybe another 4k) that takes you to 22k. Walk up may take that to 23kish.
Agree but if Dome is saying they have sold 1700 today alone and it’s only midday, the surely they’d expect to shift another 3-7,000 in the next 29 hours given hype will continue to build in workplaces, bars, media, etc today. In that case I think 25-30k is realistic
Huge if that's the case!!!! Gonna be an epic to build a real rivalry and make future derby matches stand up against the Sydney and Melbourne versions,
With Rufer out and Retre just returning from his injury do we all see the seasoned Retre coming straight into the XI as probably the closest like for like swap? Or do we look to go with Al-Taay, hell perhaps even spring a surprise with someone like Corban Piper (natural position being a 6, and at a pinch, an 8. Huge ask though) who would bring every ounce of the physicality that Ruf's usually brings, although we would lose a fair bit in terms of distribution and having that quality, controlling presence in the heart of midfield.
Absolutely gutted we won't be seeing a Rufer v Verstraeten matchup though - That was going to be a tasty battle in midfield, and now you sort of feel like they have that edge in the middle of the park. Verstraeten has been excellent for Auckland so far, their best player by a mile.
Close. Verstraete. Copy & paste job.
But yeah of all the matchups tomorrow I was most looking forward to Rufer verus the Belgian, who I think is going to be a great pickup for Auckland. Maybe even better than Sakai. Of course we haven't seen Moreno yet.
Such a bugger Rufs is out. Two very good DMs battling in midfield. Hopefully it happens with the return match in December.
Still picking a low scoring draw. Both attacks still in scratchy early season mode - both defences really solid. Ishige's quality dead ball deliveries definitely give the Nix an attacking option they didn't really have last season.
I’m honestly hoping we don’t see Marco much tomorrow, but we see a lot of him all season.
Retre too. I don’t want either of those boys rushed back and getting re-injured in the heat of a derby.
I think Conchie and Mo can probably do a job in the middle of the park. Might leave Wootton and Nagasawa doing more passing.
The scary thing for me is we haven’t had a prognosis for Rufs. He could be out for a while. I hope I’m wrong.
Gallegos the derby villain for me already. Was in the refs face a lot demanding yellows last game.
It’ll be a tactical battle and Chief usually has a plan. Wonder if we’ll stick with 3 at the back. That said I feel we might be underdogs. Rufer out and we haven’t seen Moreno yet.
It’s going to require some players to step up in Rufer’s absence. Maybe Sutton? Ishige? Payne is guna be essential. Maybe this is Ball’s come back game! He saved all his goals from last year for tomorrow…
If Retre, Rojas and Ball are all on the pine - which could be the case - that is a huge amount of experience, to hopefully come on and try to influence the game.
Though with Rufer out, it maybe means that Retre starts, and Chiefy hopes to get at least 60 quality mins out of him. As others have opined I think it stays a back 3/5 until Rojas is ready to start (and now maybe not until Rufer returns).
Think they’ve got the players to hurt us one on one, so we’ve got to do it with ball speed, controlling possession and something special that works with that. Our toughest game of the season.
Maybe Marco is back just to translate what’s going on with their South American players!
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360471479/wellington-phoenix-captain-alex-rufer-hugely-disappointed-miss-first-new-zealand Chief seems confident enough, although clearly labelling AFC as the fave's given they've not left NZ yet. Seems Rufer is expected back for the CCM game, has an inflamed bursa (Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae. Most common locations for bursitis are the shoulder, elbow and hip, but can occur in other locations like the knee, heel and base of the big toe. Bursitis is typically caused by repetitive, minor impact on the area, or from a sudden, more serious injury.)
Rufer is a massive loss. Leadership and command of the midfield. I wonder if Bally will be dropped into the midfield.
I have wondered about Ball in midfield. It certainly wouldn't be the craziest thing we've done and didn't Chiefy pretty much say it's something he might do?
