New Zealand rallies to support Cup defenders

11.45am

Opposition leader Bill English joined in a bare-chested haka this morning as Team New Zealand supporters farewelled the black boat and her crew at the Viaduct Harbour. The haka was organised by rugby stars Frano Botica and Eric Rush.

Other supporters cheered from the surrounding docks, and a flotilla of boats accompanied NZL82 and Team New Zealand training boat NZL81 as they made their way to the race course on the Hauraki Gulf.

Dean Barker and his crew aboard NZL82 must fight to overcome a 0-3 deficit in the best-of-nine America's Cup series against Swiss challenger Alinghi.

Earlier today, Team New Zealand announced a significant crew change for the fourth race. Tactician Hamish Pepper has been removed from the afterguard and replaced by Bertrand Pace.

Frenchman Pace has been the back-up helmsman to Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker as they practised with the syndicate's two boats on the Hauraki Gulf in the months leading up to the America's Cup.

As well as having been a world match racing champion, Pace, 41, has been involved in four French America's Cup campaigns, including skippering their shoestring entry in the 2000 event.

There are no other changes to the 16-member Team New Zealand crew for today's race. Pace joins Adam Beashel and Peter Evans in the afterguard aboard NZL-82.

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