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A sculpture of Michael Jones  "The Iceman" to be displayed at Eden Park in Auckland...




What has been described as a larger than life statue of the former All Black great, Michael Jones, diving to score the first try at the inaugural Rugby World Cup final at Eden Park in Auckland, in 1987, will be displayed at the redeveloped Eden Park for this year's event.

Auckland artist Natalie Stamilla said the sculpture, which she estimates will cost $300,000, will be cast in bronze and be 150% greater than life size. Stamilla said she had been able to secure funding to cover all costs related to the sculpture project, which will be placed on permanent loan at Eden Park.The design of the sculpture is based on a photograph by Geoff Dale, Stamilla's father, who worked as a press photographer during the 1987 tournament.

Most fans won't be aware that the actual first try at the 1987 cup final was a penalty try. So the 'Ice Man's' try was the first touch down, if you like.

A similar try by the new legendary No 7, and skipper, Richie McCaw, would probably see a similar sculpture at AMI Stadium (Lancaster Park) in Christchurch, despite the fact that the earthquake ravaged city took no active part in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

http://anzacbloggersunite.blog.co.uk

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New Zealand will not be admitting banned undesirables into the country during the Rugby World Cup...




Media claims that New Zealand could be forced to admit undesirables into the country during the Rugby World Cup have been denied by the Government.

It was claimed that the  New Zealand Government could be forced to admit  Fijian coup leader and dictator, Frank Bainimarama,   into New Zealand during the RWC tournament because he will be a VIP have been denied. Bainimarama is blacklisted and will not be admitted into New Zealand under any circumstances, RWC Minister, Murray McCully stated.

It was also claimed that his brother-in-law, Francis Keane could also enter New Zealand as a VIP, once he stages his own little coup and takes over the Fijian Rugby Union as its Chairman.

Francis Keane is a convicted killer - he was convicted of manslaughter after fatally punching a man at Bainimarama's daughter's wedding.. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, but served only three months on full pay before being released and promoted to head the Fijian Navy. What sort of navy the Fijians have is another matter and won't be discussed here today.

The media have claimed both men could be hosted by New Zealand during the Rugby World Cup at a cost of $45,000 each - under the rules of the IRB hosting nations pay for two officials from each participating nation.

However the news today claimed IRB officials are on the way to meet with Fijian leaders concerning the RWC.

There is more to write about this subject in coming days. I will post an update in due course.

http://huttriver.blog.co.uk

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A SPECIAL GIFT TO THE ALL BLACKS FROM THEIR MAIN SPONSORS - ADIDAS


A special gift from Adidas and the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) will make sure the All Blacks stay connected to their homeland at a purely grass roots level for the World Cup in France this year.

The NZRU and Adidas are in the process of cutting a piece of turf from dozens of grounds around the country.

Soil from the turf will help to make up the gift that the team will take to France in August.

Adidas NZ marketing manager Craig Waugh said the idea behind the campaign was that the 1072 All Blacks to date were "Of This Earth".

"The turf we are collecting from clubs around the country will cover the rugby grounds on which every All Black has played," Craig said.

"We'll then be creating a very special gift to send along to France with the All Blacks when they contest the World Cup."

NZRU marketing manager Fraser Holland said turf would be collected from major stadiums like Eden Park, Waikato Stadium and Carisbrook, as well as small provincial grounds like Southbridge, the home ground to first five-eighths Dan Carter, and Opunake Beach, home to prop Carl Hayman.