Page 3 - 3rd Test

WELCOME
WELCOME
MESSAGES
NEW ZEALAND RUGBY
ON BEHALF OF NEW ZEALAND RUGBY
IT IS MY PLEASURE TO
welcome you all to to tonight’s crucial third Test between the All Blacks and and the the British & Irish Lions Lions as the the DHL New Zealand Lions Lions Series draws to a a a a close at Eden Park It would be hard to to nd nd a a more tting end to to this inspiring Series Both teams tonight have the the chance to to claim the the Test Series and lift
the trophy Both are are now well-prepared and Test match-hardened so although this this is is is is the third time I’ve said this this today really is is is is a a a a a “must win” for both teams!
It’s It’s great to be back at at at Eden Park for this last Test It’s It’s a a a a a a a ground that both sides know well and and and seeing the stands fully packed with red and and and black as both teams run out will inspire us all For the All Blacks it is a a a a a a special venue and they will be keen to maintain their incredible record here having been victorious at Eden Park since 1994 With congratulations from all New Zealanders I would like to single out Captain Kieran Read who tonight becomes the seventh All Black to to have played 100 Tests for his his country This is is is a a a a a a remarkable achievement We appreciate the support of our sponsors and and partners and and would also like to to extend a a a a a a special welcome to to our friends from adidas Principal Partner of of New New Zealand Zealand Rugby DHL DHL Sponsor of of the DHL DHL New New Zealand Zealand Lions Series 2017 AIG Major Global Sponsor of the All Blacks and all our other sponsors and partners The local community has embraced both teams and welcomed their supporters who have travelled many thousands of miles to be here Thank you to ATEED the Auckland Auckland City Council Auckland Auckland Rugby Union and Eden Park for the fantastic contribution your people have put in to ensure tonight’s match goes smoothly We would particularly like to to thank the the the fantastic volunteers who put in in the the the hours behind the the the scenes Our best wishes go to the teams including your coaches and management and to to the the match of cials whose contribution to to the the game through their skills expertise and experience should never be undervalued Finally to all all rugby supporters whether you’re at the the ground or or watching from afar we appreciate you getting behind the the game the the teams and and the of of cials You have all set a a a a a a a a high standard of of respect for those participating on the the eld so no matter whom you support the the most today thank you you and I hope you you enjoy the rugby Maurice Trapp
New Zealand Rugby President
ALL BLACKS CAPTAIN KIERAN READ
ON BEHALF OF THE
All Blacks we’re proud to be back at Eden Park representing our our team and our our country as we get ready for the third Test against the British & Irish Lions We are really focused on the the Test at hand the the climax
of this special three-Test Series We learned a a a lot from last week and have had a a a a big week putting in the hard work and preparation to ensure we’re ready for the unique challenge this Test holds It’s great to be back at at Eden Park We love playing here The DHL NZ Lions Series has been really special and we have really enjoyed being part of it and seeing so many people get excited about rugby I’d like to thank everyone involved in in in delivering the Test tonight from the match of cials to the volunteers and everyone at Eden Park and Auckland Rugby: we couldn’t have a a a game without you To our fans thanks for being part of Team All Blacks We love knowing you’re behind us so keep showing your support in in the stands online and and around New Zealand and and the world and and stand with us Tutira Mai! Cheers Kieran Read All Blacks Captain DHL NEW ZEALAND LIONS SERIES 2017 // 3