Samoan win sets up potential for Hamilton thriller

Manu Samoa’s upset victory over Australia’s Wallabies has heightened the importance of one of the three Rugby World Cup 2011 matches to be held in Hamilton.

Manu Samoa defeated the Wallabies 32-23 at ANZ Stadium on Sunday to record an historic win, setting up a titanic match against old foes Wales at Waikato Stadium on 18 September.

The match looms as one of the important of the Tournament, and now has added significance, said Rugby World Cup Ambassador Councillor Peter Bos.

“Wales will no doubt remember the equally historic win by Samoa at the Rugby World Cup in 1991, at Cardiff Arms Park, in front of their own crowd,” said Mr Bos.

“Samoan fans should be looking for a repeat of that performance in Hamilton in September – and there are still some tickets available for this match. It’ll be fierce, fast and furious, as that’s the way the Samoans play the game.”

Mr Bos said the match would pit the unpredictability of the Samoans against the more structured play of the Welsh, and is likely to be tightest Rugby World Cup 2011 match to be hosted in Hamilton.

Category A and Category B tickets for the match are selling fast, and Mr Bos urged fans to visit Hamilton City Council’s i-Site, in Garden Place, to make ticket purchases.