Murray McCully Kicks Off Super Rugby Year

Murray McCully Kicks Off Super Rugby Year At Mangatainoka
--- Hurricanes beat Chiefs 35-31 ---

Minister for the Rugby World Cup, Murray McCully, kicked off New Zealand’s biggest year in sport grassroots style today.

Mr McCully kicked off the Super Rugby pre-season game played in front of a sell out crowd that was packed into the specially-made stadium on Neil ‘Skin’ Symonds farm in Mangatainoka made famous by the Tui Brewery. The game, which saw the Hurricanes beat the Chiefs 35-31, showcased grassroots rugby at its best with passionate rugby fans adorned in their regional colours and visibly enjoying the unique setting. It followed the success of last year’s Super 14 pre-season game between the Hurricanes and the Blues.

Mr McCully said that games like the Mangatainoka initiative were a valuable part of the country’s build-up to Rugby World Cup 2011 while rugby greats Sir Brian Lochore and Colin ‘Pinetree’ Meads spoke to around 1000 corporate ticket holders about the importance of heartland rugby.

“(Games like this) have great value for rugby and great value for the area and local community,” said Sir Brian. “I just think it’s a great way to kick off a great year.”

Tui Brewery commercial manager Nick Rogers, who championed this year’s game, said he had received overwhelming positive feedback from players and officials today. He said this response has motivated him to look at hosting similar games in the future following consultation with Symonds, who owns the farm on which the Mangatainoka RFC is located, and Hurricanes management.

“The support that we get and the passion that people show for a game of rugby in a paddock is tremendous and it shows the heart of New Zealanders,” he says.
“It shows that people want their rugby and they want it to be attainable and real. It also highlights the sense of occasion – you know getting everyone together to come to the footie and watch the game with their friends while enjoying a cold Tui … and they want to go away and tell a great story. Everyone will leave here today with a different story and one that is not necessarily about the footie.”

Following the game all Chiefs and Hurricanes players mingled with fans by signing autographs and posing for photos. Chiefs first five eight Mike Delany said he was overwhelmed by the level of support.

“It’s awesome. It’s an awesome environment. Everyone enjoyed themselves,” said Delany. There was a good feeling here and after all the preseason training it was good to get out and have a game.”

This year will be a remarkable journey for rugby in New Zealand– beginning with today’s game in front of over 8000 fans and culminating with the Rugby World Cup final at Eden Park which will be played in front of 50,000 rugby supporters on Sunday, October 23.

Hurricanes 35 (tries: James Broadhurst,2, Andre Taylor, Jayden Hayward, Alapati Leiua; conversions Daniel Kirkpatrick, Andre Taylor 2, Beauden Barrett, 2).
Chiefs 31 (tries: Tim Nanai-Williams, 2, Trent Renata, Ben May, Sam Cane; conversions: Mike Delany, Tim Nanai Williams).

ENDS

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