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Auckland to host Pasifika rugby double-header at Eden Park 31.08.19<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n In a sporting coup for Auckland, the best rugby players from the Pacific Islands will descend on the iconic Eden Park, Saturday August 31 for a blockbuster international rugby doubleheader.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Manu Samoa battles New Zealand Heartland XV and Ikale Tahi takes on Fiji Airways Flying Fijians in the\u00a0Pasifika Challenge II \u2013 The Road to Japan<\/em>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Event organisers, Left Field Live, are looking forward to a vibrant and loud atmosphere in an event that will celebrate the best things of all things Pasifika. The double-header will also serve as an important additional fixture ahead of Japan and another great opportunity for supporters to come and out support their team.<\/span><\/p>\n NZR Chief Rugby Officer Nigel Cass said: \u201cWe are delighted to support this fixture as a great display of Pasifika rugby.\u00a0 New Zealand prides itself in having close ties with our Pacific Island neighbours, and this match is a great way to celebrate rugby in the Pacific and in our Heartland provinces.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development General Manager Destination, Steve Armitage, says, \u201cthis is yet another occasion to acknowledge our place as a city of the Pacific, highlighting our status as the largest Polynesian city in the world by providing a stage for our Pasifika communities to come together to support and celebrate their teams.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe expect fans based in Auckland and beyond will jump at the chance to see this exciting double header at Eden Park.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Ticket prices have been set at a fan-friendly rate of between $25 \u2013 $65 with kick off times scheduled for 2pm and 4:30pm to ensure as many rugby fans and families have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacle.<\/span><\/p>\n Teams competing in the\u00a0Pasifika Challenge II The Road to Japan\u00a0<\/em>will not only just benefit from having an additional opportunity to fine tune their playbook before the global showcase, the event will also serve as a way to generate additional financial support for the participating Teams.<\/span><\/p>\n In addition to funding the Teams participation in the Event and the Players allowances for their time, event organisers have promised the Teams an added financial incentive based on the final crowd attracted to the game. A sell-out crowd on Saturday August 31 will deliver the strongest possible financial windfall for the three Pacific Island teams who each share in this upside equally.\u00a0 Fans are urged to show their support for the Teams by cheering them on from the Eden Park stands.<\/span><\/p>\n The\u00a0Pasifika Challenge<\/em>\u00a02017<\/em>\u00a0saw Ikale Tahi go down in a gutsy performance against Wales and Manu Samoa come-up short versus a strong New Zealand All Black side in front of 30,000 passionate fans. The vocal fans added to an already electric atmosphere in a night that celebrated the Pasifika cultures in New Zealand. Teams will again showcase their cultural heritage performing their pre-match challenges to the opposition; Siva Tau (Manu Samoa), Sipi Tau (Ikale Tahi), Cibi (Fiji Airways Flying Fijians) and Haka (Heartland XV).<\/span><\/p>\n New Zealand Heartland XV will play first against Manu Samoa in what promises to be a fast-paced and physical match. Recently appointed Manu Samoa Head Coach, Steve Jackson, will be looking to the match as an opportunity to build-on performances from the Pacific Nation\u2019s Cup.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis is another great opportunity for our squad to get together and finalise preparations for Japan. We are a very close group and any opportunity to come together to work on both on-field executions as well as the equally important off-field culture is something we all jump at\u201d said Steve Jackson, Manu Samoa Head Coach.<\/span><\/p>\n Heartland XV Head Coach Mark Rutene said Heartland players would welcome the opportunity to play in black.\u00a0 \u201cWe look forward to challenging ourselves against a top 20 side and one that is extremely physical and plays the game at a fast pace.\u00a0 We will have the best players from across the Heartland unions coming together and is another great opportunity to reward players for strong seasons in their provincial colours\u201d said Heartland XV Head Coach, Mark Rutene.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Concluding the double-header will be Ikale Tahi taking on Fiji Airways Flying Fijians. With such a large Pacific Island population based in Auckland and it\u2019s surrounding areas, organisers are anticipating an atmosphere that rivals the best of international rugby in Nuku\u2019alofa, Apia and Suva combined with the added spice of a very special rugby occasion for the New Zealand Heartland XV, as they play on the big stage.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe love playing at Eden Park as the support we get is fantastic. The boys are really excited to play in front of their family and friends in what will be an extremely important fixture for us on the road to Japan\u201d said Toutai Kefu, Ikale Tahi Head Coach.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis match against Tonga at Eden Park is very important for the Flying Fijians in our build up towards Japan. We take some self-belief from our victory over France in Paris in November but certainly have not forgotten Tonga\u2019s win over us in Lautoka in June 2018. 31 August will be a great day for Pacific Rugby and vitally important for us as our last match before Japan\u201d said John McKee, Flying Fijians Head Coach.<\/span><\/p>\n Pasifika Challenge II \u2013 The Road To Japan, \u00a0<\/em><\/strong>key details:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n
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