News

All Blacks to tango in  build-up to Investec Rugby Championship Test

Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra to entertain fans pre-match

Good seats still available for 8 September Test

The Power and Passion Festival to celebrate the Argentine team's week long stay in the city kicks off at Wellington Railway Station on Monday 3 September.

Several All Blacks will show off some new moves as they learn Argentina's favourite dance, the tango, under the watchful eye of former All Black and radio host Marc Ellis. The event kicks off at 4pm.

All Blacks will also be out and about in the capital taking part in three store appearances during the week. And Wellington retailers are being urged to "paint it black" with the best dressed store getting the chance to use a couple of All Blacks behind the counter.

The Argentinian Embassy will also be showcasing their culture, food and wine during the build-up to the Test with the Power and Passion Festival culminating in a Fanzone on Wellington's waterfront on Test day.

Pre-match entertainment at Westpac Stadium will be provided by the Wellington Ukulele Orchestra whose members will be sporting specially branded "Power and Passion" ukeleles to mark the occasion.

"Wellingtonians had so much fun during Rugby World Cup and almost one year on to the day, they have another chance to relive some of the excitement and passion of that great event," said New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew.

"This Test is the only time the All Blacks visit the capital this year so we hope fans turn on a special welcome."

Full details on the Power and Passion Festival can be found here.

The public is invited to watch the Argentinian team train at 3:00pm on Monday 3 September at the Hutt Recreation Ground.

Good seats are still available for the Test, but fans are being urged to act quickly to secure the seats they want.

"This has been a fantastic series to date and with sell-outs already at Eden Park last weekend and Forsyth Barr Stadium for the 15 September clash with South Africa, Wellington is the last chance for fans to see the All Blacks in action at home this year," Mr Tew said.

"Tickets are selling well with over two thirds already snapped up so my advice to fans is don't delay."

All Blacks Investec Rugby Championship schedule (remaining matches)

1. Argentina (Westpac Stadium, Wellington, 7.35PM, Saturday 8 September). Get your tickets from ticketek - 0800 842 538

2. South Africa (Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 7.35PM, Saturday 15 September).  SOLD OUT

3. Argentina (Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, La Plata, 8.10PM, Saturday 29 September) SOLD OUT

4. South Africa (FNB Stadium 'Soccer City', Johannesburg, 5.00PM, Saturday 6 October)