September 01, 2022

Local All Blacks excited for home game atmosphere in Hamilton test

"This is home for me and what makes it special is the fans and their support. I just can’t wait to be out there Saturday night and get into it." - Samisoni Taukei'aho

After their campaign in South Africa, the All Blacks camp are back on home soil for the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship. The first test of the championship was last weekend at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch which ended in a disappointing 25-28 loss to Argentina.

This is the first time Los Pumas have been back to New Zealand since 2018, with their only other win over the New Zealand side occurring in Sydney in 2020.

This week has seen the teams move to Chiefs country in preparation for the second test at FMG Stadium Waikato. It has been great for our Gallagher Chiefs boys to be back in a familiar environment with the All Blacks making use of the Chiefs HQ gym and Hamilton fields for training. The home game atmosphere on Saturday will be electric for the local players that will be able to have their whānau and friends there to support them.

Gallagher Chiefs and All Blacks captain Sam Cane agrees. "FMG Stadium Waikato is one of the best rugby grounds going around and it’s not very often the All Blacks get to play here, so all of us local boys are pretty excited about this week and hopefully having the opportunity to pull on the black jersey and run out in front of our awesome home fans." Cane returns in the number 7 jersey this weekend.

The first try scorer in Christchurch, hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho, will be aiming to repeat the feat this weekend and keep the momentum going from here. When asked about playing back at home he said, "FMG Stadium Waikato is without a doubt my favourite stadium to play in, and for the All Blacks to be playing here this week is really exciting. This is home for me and what makes it special is the fans and their support. I just can’t wait to be out there Saturday night and get into it."

The last time the All Blacks played at FMG Stadium Waikato Taukei'aho had an outstanding debut in the black jersey scoring two tries against Fiji. The strong 60-14 win was a great spectacle that the side has the same motivation to repeat again this weekend.

Quinn Tupaea is set to come off the bench on Saturday and will be looking to make an impact on field in front of the home crowd. “I love playing at FMG Stadium Waikato for the Gallagher Chiefs, so it’s going to be extra special to wear the black jersey at my home stadium in front of my family, friends, and the fans from Chiefs Country.”

Fellow Gallagher Chiefs player Brodie Retallick has also been named in the match day 23 to come off the bench. He will be keen to get some time out on the field after being sidelined for the last few weeks with an injury sustained in the third test against Ireland.

Los Pumas coach Michael Cheika said of the upcoming match, "It's [going to be] a blockbuster because they're going to be coming with everything." The All Blacks side won't want to repeat last week's outcome, so we can expect a good show in the Tron.

All Blacks vs Argentina kicks off at 7.05 pm on Saturday at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton.
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Local All Blacks excited for home game atmosphere in Hamilton testLocal All Blacks excited for home game atmosphere in Hamilton testLocal All Blacks excited for home game atmosphere in Hamilton test