All Blacks getting taste of 'other' World Cup

BUENOS AIRES - Being subjected to the patriotic excesses of sporting passion is hardly a foreign concept for rugby's All Blacks.

Under intense pressure to perform each time they squeeze into their black jerseys -- particularly when the Rugby World Cup looms -- have happily discovered in Argentina they are not the only team burdened to carry the hopes of a nation every four years.

Rugby may be numero uno in Balclutha, but in Buenos Aires the boot is most certainly on the soccer foot.

Occupants of every calle, avenida, business, bar and restaurant are captivated by one thing -- and one team alone -- at the moment: Argentina's progress at that other World Cup.

Even the Pumas have tailored their pre-test media schedule to ensure the players will be glued in front of the wide screen at their team hotel on Wednesday (Thursday 7am NZT) to watch Argentina's final group game against Holland.

The All Blacks have already experienced the earthquake-like commotion prompted by an Argentinian goal.

A team official described their hotel as practically "shaking" after the South American's netted the opener against hapless Serbia and Montenegro last week.

Although the All Blacks were not diverted by the eventual 6-0 drubbing handed out to the Europeans, fullback Leon MacDonald admitted it was impossible not to get caught up in the hype.

"It's great. We've got into the soccer fever. It's great to experience a different culture and a different passion," he said.

However, his new found respect for Argentina's sporting heartbeat only extended so far.

When pressed after training today on who he was supporting, MacDonald left the Argentinian media contingent slightly crestfallen -- and New Zealanders aghast -- by nominating the Socceroos as his preference.

The local press corp was also unimpressed with the All Blacks footballing prowess as they wound up their training session with an ungainly round ball kick about.

The forward-orientated match-up was notable more for the ball sailing over the cross bar than between the rugby posts though, perhaps inevitably, Richie McCaw showed his class when he slotted the only "goal" of the day off a Luke McAlister pass.

- NZPA