Rugby: Waiheke Wallabies book out resort

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is out to break a jinx. Photo / Photosport

The Wallabies will set up camp at Waiheke Island's largest accommodation provider - the four-star Waiheke Island Resort - as they search for inspiration to break their Eden Park hoodoo.

The Herald on Sunday understands the Australian rugby team's 31 players and 15 support staff will set up base camp at Waiheke Island Resort from today to Thursday, ahead of next weekend's test against the All Blacks.

The 26-room four-star resort, which offers sea views and amenities including a pool and hot tub at rates from about $250-$360 per night, is just a five-minute drive from Onetangi Sports Park, where the team is expected to train.

The island, home to only 10,000 residents - including former All Blacks coach Graham Henry and the Mad Butcher Sir Peter Leitch - only has two rugby pitches.

A spokesperson for the Waiheke Island Rugby Club told the Herald on Sunday they had been in discussions with the Australian side about the use of their facilities, but nothing had been confirmed, while a spokesperson from the resort, which has no availability remaining from today to Thursday, said they were unable to comment about large group bookings over the next week.

Rugby Australia did not respond when contacted for confirmation on either venue.

As reported on Thursday, the Australian rugby team plans to stay on the island in the Hauraki Gulf - a 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland's CBD.

This break away from the traditional choice of staying in a hotel in the city as they look to find a way to break a 32-year losing streak at Eden Park.

The Wallabies have lost 17 straight matches against the All Blacks at the venue, while the All Blacks haven't lost at the venue since there were knocked over by France in 1994, although they were held to a 15-all draw against the British and Irish Lions last year.

The match at Eden Park will be the second Bledisloe Cup test, following last night's clash in Sydney. The Wallabies haven't had the Cup in their hands since losing it in 2003, and have claimed it just 12 times in the 59-years it has been contested.

The All Blacks' 15-series winning streak is the longest in the Cup's history.