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The Kiwis REALLY hate us

According to a New Zealand newspaper poll, the Trans-Tasman spirit has faded, as rugby fans in New Zealand have identified the Wallabies as the team they least want to see succeed in the Rugby World Cup 2011.

In a survey conducted and published by the New Zealand Herald, Australia emerged as the overwhelmingly unwanted choice when fans were questioned about which country they least wished to see win the Rugby World Cup.

Following the Wallabies’ Tri Nations series victory over New Zealand, and shortly after commentator Greg Martin suggested banning the All Blacks’ haka, Australia captured 33.8 percent of the votes—nearly twice as many as South Africa, the next least-favored team.

The Springboks received 18.6 percent of the responses.

While the All Blacks often outperform the Wallabies in Bledisloe Cup Tests, Australia has claimed victory in two Rugby World Cup finals (1991 and 1999), compared to New Zealand’s single win in 1987.

Moreover, the Wallabies have succeeded in eliminating New Zealand from the tournament in the semi-finals on two occasions, despite being ranked lower than their All Black adversaries.

England placed third in this poll, obtaining 9.1 percent, while France followed in fourth with a modest 6.5 percent, despite Les Bleus having also knocked out the All Blacks twice (in 1999 and 2007).

Interestingly, 4.3 percent of New Zealand respondents expressed that they least wanted to see the All Blacks claim the Rugby World Cup title.

by Buford Balony

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