Auckland open gates for Mitre 10 Cup final
Come one, come all. It won’t cost you a thing.
Auckland Rugby will open the gates of Eden Park for next weekend’s Mitre 10 Cup final and allow spectators in completely free of charge. Head coach Alama Ieremia believes it’s the least they can do.
“It’s a great initiative for the whole city, not only the stakeholders but Auckland as a whole, our family, friends and supporters. It’s been a tough last few years, and has been very difficult for Auckland supporters,” Ieremia said after Saturday’s emphatic 38-17 semi-final victory over Wellington.
“I believe the way the team has performed and, most importantly the way the organisation has shown we can let everyone come in free, is a really a big thank-you to all supporters through the tough times. Now we’re in the final, their loyalty deserves to be rewarded.”
Auckland are chasing their first title since 2007, hoping to cap a remarkable season where they finished with a record of nine wins and one loss. It has been an incredible turnaround for a side on the brink of relegation just one year ago.
“What we’ve achieved to date and what this team has done for Auckland is something we need treasure and celebrate tonight,” Ieremia added.
“We’ve got a seven-day turnaround, and we’ll do it well. But this achievement is massive for this team, and we’ve got to enjoy it and then get well grounded. We’ve got no problem with grounding, we’ve been doing it all year because they’re hungry for more. This week will look after itself.”
Ieremia – a former All Blacks midfielder – is in his first year with Auckland and knew it was a large undertaking.
“I did a lot of research into why I was taking this job on,” he said. “This [success] is a by-product of a lot of people advising me to look at certain things in this team.
“I’ve brought in a bunch of players who want to die for this jersey, giving it a purpose, making sure we get the selection right, and understanding there are ramifications and expectations off the field that go with that.
“But most importantly that we’re going to enjoy the season, win or lose, and you will be held accountable for whatever actions you do, good or bad. That’s been our philosophy to date and I see no reason why we can’t keep that on.”
Powerful loose forward Akira Ioane, who starred in the semi-final and scored two tries after being omitted from Steve Hansen’s 51-man All Blacks squad, elaborated on how Ieremia has turned the Auckland programme around this season.
“Alama and [forwards coach] Filo Tiatia came in and set the rules – black and white, and that’s it. If late you’re late, if you’re not dressed in the right stuff you get shot … or at least told off. They’ve set the rules from the start, and the boys know that.
“It’s just little shifts, but there are no more passengers, everyone is working hard all week and giving us what we need.”
Next weekend’s final will kick off at 4.05pm at Eden Park.
In other news:
Comments on RugbyPass
It’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
22 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
22 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
44 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
4 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
44 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
44 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
4 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
7 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
7 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
4 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
1 Go to commentsDanny Care. Lang in die tand.
1 Go to commentsBig empty stadium does nothing for atmosphere but munster are playing well with solid performance
1 Go to commentsYes, Fiji can win the World Cup! With that belief plus their christian faith🙏 and hard work it is achievable. Great article. Ian Duncan Fiji resident 1981-84
2 Go to comments