23 June 2005
30,000 Free Ponchos To Boost Black-Out
Stirring pre-match talks, 30,000 black ponchos, and black face paint are just some of the weapons being deployed to help
mobilise fans for the All Blacks’ clash with the British & Irish Lions.
Fans attending the Test match on Saturday night can do their bit to help secure the home-ground advantage by visiting
the Telecom Bunker, to be located in Stevens Street opposite Gate A at Jade Stadium, for free ponchos and face paint.
The Telecom Bunker is a giant interactive tent designed to serve as the main distribution point for almost a
quarter-of-a-million black Unite for Victory ponchos which Telecom has produced for fans to wear at each of the matches
nationwide. Thirty thousand of these are expected to be given away for the match in Christchurch.
Telecom’s Head of Sponsorship Peter Parussini said these “weapons” are being given out free to New Zealand supporters to
help counter the likely sea of red from the Barmy Army.
“The Lions have openly stated that they’re coming here to take on the entire country and we want to let the Lions know
that New Zealanders are taking up the challenge every time they run onto the field.
“Rugby fans from throughout New Zealand are converging on Christchurch and the combination of ponchos and face paint
will help show that we stand united.”
Pre-recorded team talks from All Blacks coach Graham Henry and former All Blacks greats Grant Fox, Ian Jones and Frank
Bunce, will also screen in the Telecom Bunker and underline the part fans can play in helping New Zealand teams to
victory.
In addition, fans visiting the Telecom Bunker will be able to have their photos taken with the latest Telecom mobile
phones and have them posted on the www.uniteforvictory.co.nz website as a souvenir of this historic tour.
As well as sponsoring the All Blacks, Telecom is involved with each of New Zealand’s Rebel Sports Super 12 franchises,
with Air New Zealand NPC teams, club rugby and the AXA International Sevens tournament in Wellington.
ENDS