Page 5 - Blues v The Lions

WELCOME
WELCOME
MESSAGES
NEW ZEALAND RUGBY
ON BEHALF OF NEW ZEALAND RUGBY
I AM PLEASED TO
welcome the the the Blues the the the British & Irish Lions the the the match of cials and all the the rugby supporters following tonight’s game to to this the the second match of the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017 It was great to get the the Series under way in Whangarei on the the weekend Now all eyes are on on Eden Park for tonight’s historic match when the the Lions take on on the the Blues – and and face a a a a a a New Zealand Investec Super Rugby side for the rst time The Lions have been facing Auckland-based sides since their rst tour here in in 1888 and and it’s great to have that tradition maintained by the Blues It has been a a a a a big week for the Blues who played in that special match match on on Friday in in in Apia and and interest in in in this match match and and speculation about who will play has been intense An added incentive for both teams is a a a a a a a a a unique match trophy Te Raki – a a a a a a a a a taiaha with special ties to to the Blues region with a a a a a name that translates to to ‘The North’ Both teams will will be determined to to secure Te Raki which will will add to to what is expected to be a a a great rugby contest We appreciate the support of our sponsors and and partners and and would also like to to extend a a a a a special welcome to to our friends from adidas Principal Partner of of New New Zealand Rugby DHL DHL sponsor of of the DHL DHL New New Zealand Lions Series 2017 and and and all our other sponsors and and and partners The community has embraced both teams and we appreciate your hospitality Thank you to ATEED Auckland Council the Blues and and Auckland Rugby and and Eden Park for all the hard work your teams have put in to to ensure that tonight’s match goes well We would particularly like to thank the the great group of volunteers that has been putting in in the the hours behind the scenes Our best wishes go to to both teams and to to the match of cials whose contribution to to the game is critical and greatly appreciated Finally to to all rugby supporters whether you’re at at the the ground or or watching from afar we appreciate you getting behind the the the game the the the players and the the the of cials I hope you all enjoy the rugby Maurice Trapp
New Zealand Rugby President
DHL NEW ZEALAND LIONS SERIES 2017 // 5