-
Football fever in Wellington - Source: ONE Sport -
Related
A billboard on Courtenay Place neatly sums up the hopes of a nation.
A black-and-white photo of All Whites captain and defensive lynchpin Ryan Nelsen is accompanied by the tagline "No one escapes the full Nelsen".
Of course this double entendre is referring to a particularly effective - and sometimes dangerous - wrestling hold that can render the opponent virtually immobile.
The Blackburn captain is seen as one of the keys to the All Whites' success and certainly if the Ricki Herbert-coached squad can keep a clean sheet they will be well on the way to South Africa.
Apart from these scattered Nike billboards and posters there was also other evidence of football taking over the capital leading up to the big weekend.
All Whites jerseys, paraphernalia and specially produced t-shirts "All White on the night" and "Sumner Lovin" cover a sporting goods store that usually specialises in Hurricanes and All Blacks merchandise.
According to the store owner, it has been "absolute chaos" since last Wednesday and pre-game sales have far exceeded the much-hyped LA Galaxy game in 2007 featuring David Beckham.
The Wellington YHA, which has 360 beds, has been completely sold out for over two months and the manager is expecting a huge day on Saturday.
"We always do events well here," he said with characteristic Wellington confidence, before promising that there will be plenty of fancy dress and costumes come game day on Saturday.
That remains to be seen, with the predicted temperature of around eight degrees being quite different to the pleasant summer hues that accompany the February Sevens madness.
There is some mystery over the location of the Bahrain team in Wellington, with the original hotel booking at the Bolton seemingly switched at the last minute.
It is also understood that every available limousine in the capital has been booked out for the Bahrain squad and their royal entourage.
The Middle East side may not have many supporters in town for the match but they will be among the richer ones.
