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Jock Hobbs, Prime Minister John Key, Bernard Lapasset and Mike Miller mark two years to go until the Rugby World Cup 2011 - Source: Photosport -
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The South African rugby team's snub of Hamilton drew a haughty reaction from New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and other officials on Wednesday as they set about selling this country as an attractive destination in 2011.
Key, dignitaries from the International Rugby Board and leading New Zealand rugby officials gathered in Hamilton to mark the date - two years out from the start of the 2011 rugby World Cup hosted by New Zealand.
On hand was All Blacks captain Richie McCaw although there was no representation from the world champion Springboks, who have elected to conduct most of their preparation on Queensland's Gold Coast ahead of the Tri Nations Test against New Zealand in Hamilton on Saturday.
South African coach Peter de Villiers stirred up local sentiment by explaining his players risked going stale if they arrived earlier as "there is nothing in Hamilton".
He has them preparing in the bright lights and relative seclusion of Surfers Paradise before crossing the Tasman tomorrow.
Key took umbrage at that attitude and anticipated it would backfire.
"I actually think it's South Africa's loss," he said.
"I think it's misguided actually and I think when they come here on Saturday night, they'll come to realise that they like the place even less when they've been thumped by the All Blacks."
The head of the tournament organising group, Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd chief executive Martin Snedden, also took a subtle pot-shot.
Snedden was discussing the process of allocating each of the 20 participating teams to various "base" cities where they will train and live during the World Cup.
None had yet been announced although Snedden could not resist a dig at the Springboks.
"We've had to radically change our planning this morning, realising that the idea of having South Africa based here (Hamilton) for five weeks is probably not the most sensible thing to do."
Is Peter de Villiers right? Is there nothing do to in
Hamilton? Feel free to comment below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentadam said on 2009-09-09 @ 20:39 NZDT: Report abusive post
I agree with the coach, Hamilton doesn't even have a YHA backpackers! What do tourists do there?
rupertnz said on 2009-09-09 @ 17:25 NZDT: Report abusive post
I think the SpringBoks coach is an absolute idiot...all he does is shoot his mouth of, has he not herad the saying "think before you speak"? I feel very sorry for South african people having this gimp as their "ambassador for the game"! I am suprised the South African rugby board havent done anything about him...Go the All Blacks!
siping said on 2009-09-09 @ 04:03 NZDT: Report abusive post
Jeez, how about some objectivity in these comments?Can you seriously tell me Hamilton is up there with Gold Coast? I was in Hamilton about 20 months ago, it IS boring, it is cold, dull, damp and darn depressing, and as for the mayors suggestion of a walk in the park..... hello?
louieroentgen said on 2009-09-08 @ 18:41 NZDT: Report abusive post
As a South African living in New Zealand i am embarased at this DeViliers comments. He should count himself lucky that he could walk the streets of Hamilton and its parks and feel safe. He should keep his mouth shut and stick to coaching because every time he opens it he says something stupid. I am sure the Sprinbok players are even emabaresd at some of his remarks. Hamilton is great, i have been and the people are friendly.
benrebo said on 2009-09-08 @ 13:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
C'mon people - Hamilton IS boring. Hamilton doesn't have a massive ghetto, there are no car-jackings, and there are bugger all people to exploit so you can't get away with a hedonistic lifestyle near as easily as in South Africa. If he thinks boring is worse than living in South Africa, perhaps he could try some other global attractions - Kabul, Baghdad, Gaza etc seem very exciting (on the news)