New Zealand versus Australia.
It’s a rivalry as old as time itself – or maybe a couple of hundred years.
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Now, for the first time in Rugby World Cup history, the countries are squaring off in a final.
With the historic final of the 2015 cup approaching, the Kiwi-Aussie rivalry is flaring up on Samoa’s shores.
That has culminated in New Zealand and Australia’s High Commissioners throwing down the gauntlet, putting their money – and lunch – on the line.
“How about the loser shouts the other lunch?” N.Z. High Commissioner, Jackie Frizelle laughed, during an interview with the Samoa Observer.
“Winner’s choice” where, Australian High Commissioner, Sue Langford agreed.
Adorned in their respective country’s colours, the pair laid out their expectations for the Sunday morning clash.
“I’m expecting a nail-biter,” Jackie said.
“I think there were a couple of real nailbiters just to get into the final,” Sue added.
The pair said there’d be a strong contingent of kiwis and aussies in glued to their screens in Samoa, watching the final.
Jackie urged the kiwis not to underestimate the Wallabies, as both sides were heavily invested in the game.
The high commissioners agreed the final would be great for Samoa no matter what, as both teams had players with Samoan ancestry taking part.
The pair both planned to be up early watching the game.
Jackie expected New Zealand would go all out, with players like Richie McCaw eyeing the end of their rugby careers.
“Everyone will be hoping for a win on the day.
“There’s just that massive amount of passion and loyalty towards the team,” she said.
Sue said Australia had a huge amount of pride on the line.
She was excited to see prop Scott Sio, a second-generation Wallaby, play in the final.
He had strong ties to Samoa, with his father a former Manu Samoa player, she said.
The pair said rugby was “a real unifier” for Australia, New Zealand and Samoa, and they were excited to see international relations continue to grow.
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