Russell Black, Projects Director, MTR Corporation
I have the normal New Zealand rugby 'credentials'. I played for 20 years, starting when I was five. I'll never forget the first international tour match I attended. It was 1956 and Waikato destroyed the Springboks 14-10. It was a character-building experience.
Not withstanding the Cup has been decided, this will be a full-blown test, there's no question. The score will be close. They'll throw it around, and it will be a high-scoring, fast game. It's unseasonably hot, so the heat may affect both teams who have come from temperatures under 10 degrees Celsius in New Zealand and Australia. Last week, Sydney had some of the coldest October days in 40 years.
There'll be a lot of competition within each team for places in Europe. Both teams are bringing new people.
I saw some NPC games in New Zealand in September and I agree with the test selection for New Zealand. Our selectors don't always get it right, I think they have this time.
The concept of playing test matches here is good for everybody. It's good financially for Australian and New Zealand rugby. Let's hope the Hong Kong government recognises the value of rugby and doesn't charge exorbitantly for the stadium in order to encourage regular rugby events in Hong Kong. Games like this create a great interest in the region.