In a bold bid to boost slow ticket sales, the three unions behind the DHL Hong Kong 2010 Bledisloe Cup have taken the unprecedented step of arranging a 'Fan Day', on which ticket holders can rub shoulders with the All Blacks and the Wallabies.
With only about half the tickets at the 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium sold so far for the October 30 showdown - tickets went on sale two months ago - the Australian and New Zealand rugby unions have decided to allow access to their players.
Fans will get the chance to be up close and personal with All Blacks-superstars Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, or Wallabies skipper Rocky Elsom and new sensation Quade Cooper, at the So Kon Po pitch next to the stadium on October 24.
'It will be a unique opportunity for the fans to meet the players,' Trevor Gregory, chairman of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union, said yesterday. 'They can get their autographs and rub shoulders with the stars.'
The effort taken by the two overseas unions to help make this happen - the All Blacks only arrive at 7am on the morning of Fan Day - suggests concern among organisers over sluggish ticket sales.
'This is an unprecedented move. Yes, back home, the All Blacks and the Wallabies meet their own fans, but this is unique in that it will be the first time that both teams are out there together,' said an official in the organising committee.
