Olympics: Tri-Nations gives Anzac rivalry early Greek workout

ATHENS - New Zealand's Olympic team are still a week away from competition but the Australian gloating has already begun in Greece.

Team chef de mission Dave Currie and around 50 team members accepted the invitation to watch the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup rugby test on a big screen at Australia's home base at the Games Village.

Needless to say, they departed quickly after the Wallabies got up 23-18 in Sydney and the celebrations began, on one side at least.

"We thanked them for their hospitality, congratulated them and then left soon afterwards," said Currie.

Despite the result, Currie said it was a memorable occasion which epitomised the friendly rivalry between the Anzac nations at every Games.

The women's hockey team turned out in force, but their male counterparts missed the match in favour of a training session.

The New Zealand contingent arrived in black and performed a pre-match haka.

"We thought we'd make a real statement. There was a lot of banter and a lot of good humour."

The majority of the New Zealand team arrive in Athens tomorrow, swelling the numbers to around 200.


Currie was impressed with what he had seen of the Athens set-up so far.

"Everything's in good shape, the village is looking tremendous and we couldn't have been any better prepared.

"Greece has done a great job, and I hope the world gives them a bit of a break."

The Games opening ceremony is on Saturday (NZT).


- NZPA