New Zealand puts out powerful eight against Aussies
New Zealand is set to field its strongest rowing eight for years this weekend when a crew brimming with world champions takes on a selected Australian eight as a one off fixture at the Paradise Regatta this Saturday (October 10th).
The two eights will go head to head in a made-for-TV clash over 2,000 metres at Surfers Paradise using some of the latest broadcasting techniques – including helicopter cameras, on-boat cameras and on-boat audio.
The official Kiwi eight reads like a current ‘Who’s Who’ of NZ rowing. Heading the cast are Mahé Drysdale and Hamish Bond – world champions this year at elite level in the single scull and pair respectively. Future big guns for the elite team, the Under 23 coxless four world champions Tyson Williams, Simon Watson, Jade Uru and Hamish Burson are also included. After winning the Under 23 title, this crew put in a highly creditable performance at the elite world championships in Poznan.
The crew is completed by recent Gallagher Great Race winners Tobias Wehr-Candler and Olympic bronze medallist Nathan Twaddle. Wehr-Candler won the Under 23 world title in coxed fours earlier this year whilst Twaddle’s return to competitive racing after a year out continues to gather momentum with his inclusion. Coxing will be Under 23 world champion and multiple Aon Maadi Cup winning cox, Matt Cameron.
The eight has been coached by both Dave Thompson and Conrad Robertson, and the latter is travelling to Australia to oversee the eight in action.
New Zealand Eight (not in seat order):
Mahé Drysdale - World Champion 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009. Olympic bronze medallist 2008.
Nathan Twaddle - World Champion 2005. Olympic bronze medallist 2008.
Hamish Bond - World Champion 2007 and 2009.
Tobias Wehr-Candler - Under 23 World Champion 2009
Tyson Williams - Under 23 World Champion 2009
Jade Uru - Under 23 World Champion 2009
Hamish Burson - Under 23 World Champion 2009
Simon Watson - Under 23 World Champion 2009
Cox: Matt Cameron - Under 23 World Champion 2009