NATIONAL rivalry will surface today at the Aberdeen Stadium when the inaugural Country of Origin clash gets under way. The new tournament, organised by Aberdeen and the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union, will bring to an end the local rugby season on an exciting note with eight teams made up on national lines, competing in the 15-a-side, one-day event. On paper, 'New Zealand' are favourites to win the Cup final which kicks off at 5.50 pm. With a virtual Hong Kong international backline - Stephen Kidd, Vaughan Going, Isi Tu'ivai, Jeff Piper, Rodney McIntosh and Mark Solomon - the Kiwis will be hard to beat. They have been drawn with 'Scotland', 'Wales' and Hong Kong in Group One. The other group comprises 'Australia', 'England', 'Ireland' and 'Japan'. The English are favoured in this group. Among the name players in the side are Andy Fields, Joe Hancock, Keith Gauntlet, Justin Weston, Neil Munn and Paul Welham. Their strength lies in the front row which looks awesome with players like Wayne Higgins, Alan Wragg, Rob Bullock and Fields around. The added fizz to the English comes in the form of team sponsors Virgin Atlantic who are flying in 480 mini-cans of their new Virgin Cola to 'create brand awareness prior to its launch in Hong Kong'. The winners of each group will meet in the final and it is certain to be a 'New Zealand' v 'England' clash. The tournament starts at 10.30 am. Entrance is free.
