All Blacks bring the brotherhood to Kiwis' World Cup build-up

The black jerseys were out in force at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday but this time the support was coming from across the code.

Will Jordan, Cam Roigard, Tupou Vaa’i and other All Blacks players joined the Kiwis during the captain’s run ahead of their Rugby League World Cup opener against Australia.

The visit came as New Zealand’s two national teams prepare for their own trans-Tasman battles in Sydney. The Kiwis face the Kangaroos tonight while the All Blacks meet the Wallabies in the second Bledisloe Cup Test on Saturday.

Kiwis coach Stacey Jones said the connection between the teams had grown stronger with players following each other’s campaigns and offering support across codes.

“Yeah, really good. Really cool," he told journalists. "I know that our boys watch their game on the weekend, and a lot of their players enjoy watching Rugby League, so it’s great that there’s a connection.”

Jones said the relationship had become closer than in the past, with both teams able to learn from each other.

“Cross-code now is a lot closer than what it used to be," Jones said. "Obviously, getting ideas from what they do, and if they get some stuff from us, then brilliant. It just got to benefit both codes.”

He said the support was also about what the teams represent to New Zealanders including those living across the Tasman.

“We know some of these All Black boys come to support us, and we’ll obviously be supporting them, so it’s huge for all Kiwis, especially those that are on this side of the Tasman.”

All Blacks stars Cam Roigard, left, and Tupou Vaa'i, with NZ Kiwis reserve/utility player Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at Allianz Stadium. Photo/AAP/Robbie Stephenson/Photosport

One country, two black jerseys

Kiwis halfback Jahrome Hughes also welcomed the connection between the two teams with both carrying the hopes of New Zealand fans into major international contests.

“It’s good to have that connection. We're all representing the same country, wearing the black jersey. To have that support from the All Blacks and to show support back, it shows that no matter the code, we’re all Kiwis striving for the same goal.”

The Kiwis are chasing their first Rugby League World Cup title since 2008 while the All Blacks head into Saturday’s Test after retaining the Bledisloe Cup with a 50-19 win over Australia at Eden Park last weekend.

For Kiwis' fullback Kalyn Ponga, representing New Zealand carries a personal meaning shaped by his upbringing and his memories of watching the All Blacks.

“Back in the day, it was more the All Blacks, but this [Kiwis] jersey is just as special. I'm excited about this whole experience, but to go out there and represent where I'm from, my family, my culture, and the country is pretty special.”

Ponga is among the players making a new chapter in the Kiwis jersey following his decision to represent New Zealand adding to the story of a squad drawing on family, culture and connections across the Pacific.

NZ Kiwis star Jahrome Hughes, centre, with All Blacks wing Will Jordan, left, and halfback Cam Roigard at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. Photo/AAP/Robbie Stephenson/Photosport

Jones says the Kiwis have the first chance to take on Australia with their All Blacks counterparts due back in action two days later.

The hope is that the support goes both ways as New Zealand’s two teams look to make their mark on the international stage.

The Kiwis kick off against the Kangaroos at 10.05pm NZ time on Thursday, 15 October while the All Blacks face the Wallabies in the second Bledisloe Cup Test at 6pm NZ time on Saturday, 17 October.

TEAMS

New Zealand Kiwis: Kalyn Ponga, Jamayne Isaako, Dane Gagai, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Kodi Nikorima, Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris (captain), Jeremy Marshall-King, Moses Leota, Isaiah Papali’i, Briton Nikora, Joseph Tapine. Interchange: Te Maire Martin, Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark, Xavier Willison. Reserves: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Keano Kini, Scott Sorensen.

Australia Kangaroos: Reece Walsh, Jack Bostock, Latrell Mitchell, Kotoni Staggs, Tom Trbojevic, Cameron Munster, Mitchell Moses, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Jacob Preston, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo. Interchange: Tom Dearden, Cameron Murray, Reuben Cotter, Keaon Koloamatangi. Reserves: David Fifita, Bradman Best, Blayke Brailey.

Interchange rules: The World Cup will be played under NRL rules, with six players named on the interchange bench. Teams can use a maximum of four interchange players during a match.

Match officials: Referee Adam Gee, touch judges Matt Noyen and Tyson Brough, and senior review official Chris Butler.