Win an historic, personalised bottle of Writers’ Tears Whiskey We’re offering readers the chance to win a fabulous bottle of personalised Writers’ Tears whiskey as the epic contest between the All Blacks and Ireland nears. All you have to do is predict the winner, get closest to the correct score and answer some simple tie-break questions. Click here for details. But hurry, it’s nearly kick-off time. |
INTERNATIONAL. All week as the epic Ireland v All Blacks quarter-final showdown at the Rugby World Cup in Japan approaches, we’re talking to Irish and Kiwi travel retail executives around the world to get their parochial perspectives on the big game (see earlier interviews below).
We’re also running a fantastic competition in association with Walsh Whiskey of Ireland, offering readers the chance to win a fabulous bottle of personalised Writers’ Tears whiskey (see panel, right).
INTERVIEW 7: THE IRISH PERSPECTIVE – Barry Geoghegan, Founder, Duty Free Global
Barry, I don’t suppose a staunch Irish patriot like you is opting for an All Blacks victory?
Actually you’d be right there Martin. Sorry but it’s Ireland for me. It’s written in the stars – ‘Joe has a plan!!’
I think if Murray and Sexton can play for circa 70 minutes together, they will build a platform and territory for our strong front 5 to build phases and reduce the All Blacks access to the ball. The All Blacks have a stronger bench but if we can get some early scores (as we did in Chicago) I hope their opposition will be chasing the game.
Biggest concern about the All Blacks?
No argument the All Blacks are the benchmark for all other rugby nations. Ironically there are quite a few new combinations in the side this World Cup and if they manage a ‘purple patch’ as they did against the Springboks we could be hit with a few quick scores which will change the game plan. If they are allowed to play running rugby then we will struggle on the wings. If we keep it tight then game on!!
Key players for Ireland?
Sexton and Murray combination in the backs and our starting front row who have pitched in nicely for scores at this World Cup.
You’re the wine guru of duty free Barry. So what’s it to be if Ireland win or, perish the thought, the All Blacks do?
Moodie San it can only be a Writers’ Tears whiskey to celebrate! Your man above gave us world-class poets and writers; world-class rugby players; world-class fun-loving people; but shite weather!!!!
So unless you keep using your right guard deodorant spray and we warm up about 10 degrees in our brief summers we are not going to be able to rival your Central Otago Pinot Noir.
So go on then, what’s your match prediction?
Sexton drop goal in the last play of the game to seal a famous victory!!
Ireland 19 NZ 17
Gee, it’s funny how you can go off people. And the other quarter-finals?
England 25 Australia 12
Wales 16 France 9
SA 35 Japan 21
INTERVIEW 6: THE NEW ZEALAND PERSPECTIVE – Jo Pennycuick, Managing Director, Redesign Group
Jo, you are Christchurch headquartered but an international nomad. Where will you be watching the big game?
I’ll be watching the game in some bar in Bangkok… I’ll search out the best Kiwi bar to watch it!
Any fear factor over Ireland back home?
There has been some talk in the media about the two losses in the last three games they played against Ireland, however our boys are not focusing on that. They are in great form so it’s all about focusing on the day not the past games.
You’re a design thought leader. Tell us what winning game plan All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen might have designed.
I think it will be all about maintaining the pressure in the same calm collective manner which they have been playing all tournament. I think our boys are match fit and play all of the 80 minutes and methodical in their game rather than coming out all blazing and then petering out. Strong, calm and methodical, I would say Steve will be saying.
How’s the level of rugby fever in Christchurch, a New Zealand rugby heartland?
It’s very strong as with all areas of New Zealand. We have a lot of Cantabrians in the team so of course we are always cheering on them.
Score for Saturday?
Gosh, hard to say… I would like to say a 20-point win but the Irish are also in good form.
It’s ok, you can say it…
[Click on the YouTube icon to see how Kiwi national carrier Air New Zealand is offering Irish fans a few crucial safety tips]
[Oh dear… Ireland’s response suggests their team might be in trouble…]
INTERVIEW 5: THE IRISH PERSPECTIVE – David Spillane, Director, Global Travel Retail Sales
David, you’re about as parochial and one-eyed an Irish supporter as it gets. So what’s the key to the absolutely certain Irish victory you predict?
The secret to an Irish victory is going to be discipline. Ireland is pretty tight defensively but also has challenges going forward. Therefore, I anticipate a low-scoring game. Key will be playing the game as much as possible in the AB half……and not giving away cheap penalties whenever the action is closer to our line.
The All Blacks are used to most officials being in awe of their legendary status and they have tended to optimise this to full effect – whether it be the offside line or high tackles. We trust that Nigel [Owen, referee] will be wearing his courageous, and impartial, shorts for this one.
And the key to a theoretically impossible All Blacks victory?
Food poisoning! We hear that the AB’s are desperately under-cooked… and I’d be worried that Healy, Furlong or Ryan might succumb when they eat the Kiwi front five.
Key men for the Irish in their efforts to send the All Blacks home?
Hard to argue with Mr. [Karl] Marnane’s selection of Ryan and Sexton… however, I’ve a feeling that Stockdale could latch on to a cross-field kick, or get one opportunity to scorch the earth, to win the day. He’s been pretty quiet so far.
David, you specialise in travel retail confectionery for kids. That’s timely because it’s likely to be child’s play for the All Blacks to win this one in our view – though certainly not in yours. Any special post-result new products in mind? A tube of sweets with a Beauden Barrett doll on top perhaps?
As you may be aware, the fine retailers in Auckland Airport already stock this exquisite Travel Mint tin pictured below. If Ireland win, I would expect ARI to give us a full gondola for this beauty! We might even offer it as a GWP with every purchase of Writers’ Tears!
And the final result?
Ireland to beat NZ 16-14.
What about the other quarter-finals?
Australia to beat England; Wales to beat France; Japan to beat South Africa.
[Click on the YouTube icon to watch Walsh Whiskey Director John Chamney at Dublin Airport en route to Tokyo suggesting that the right kind of Irish spirit might get the national team over the line against the All Blacks]
INTERVIEW 4: THE NEW ZEALAND PERSPECTIVE – Chris Morriss, Managing Director, Concourse
Chris, what’s the secret to an All Blacks victory at the weekend?
An intimidating Haka to kick things off and our experience in handling big occasions and big expectations. The Mo’unga/Barrett double act, exciting wingers attacking from both sides and a solid forward pack performance to lay the foundation.
Biggest concern about the opposition? Joe Schmidt and Johnny Sexton.
Can/will the All Blacks go all the way? I think the Poms and South Africa look tough and the ABs will likely have to beat both to win it. If we get past Ireland this weekend a likely England semi-final could be the making or breaking of a 3-peat. If we can do it, we can go all the way and this would ease some of the nation’s suffering from the Cricket World Cup final loss a couple of months back.
You specialise in Concourse Display. Think the All Blacks are going to put on a special display this weekend?
I think they will be big and bold, have presence and mana, and conduct themselves with good grace – just like any Concourse airport activation would!
Your picks for the 4 quarter finals?
England, All Blacks, Wales and South Africa
And of course,… your score prediction for Saturday? All Blacks 28-16
INTERVIEW 3: THE (NEW ZEALAND-DOMICILED) IRISH PERSPECTIVE – Tom Byrne, General Manager & Member of the Board, ARI Auckland (The Loop)
Ok Tom, first things first… you’re an Irishman through and through but you’re running a successful business down in NZ and are very much part of the local community. Split loyalties this weekend or does green run through your veins on match day?
No split loyalties I’m afraid, Ireland all the way! However, living in the land of the long white cloud with such passionate AB supporters all around me, in the immortal words of (probable Irish super fan) Kermit The Frog, “It isn’t easy being green!!”
What’s the mood in Auckland in the approach to the big match? Getting lots of interest in your Rugby World Cup promotions at Auckland Airport (pictured below)?
Excitement is building, this is the game that a lot of people have been waiting to see. Ireland, with inconsistent performances over the past 12 months are the clear underdog. The All Blacks go into the game confident and in the knowledge they have only lost 2 of the last 3 games they have played against us . The promotion in-store is going really well. We are really happy with the engagement and the fun it brings to The Loop Duty Free shopping experience.
Auckland Airport General Manager Retail & Commercial Richard Barker (see below) has promised to toast a win to the Boys in Green with a good Irish whiskey. What’s your tipple for either result?
I will happily join Richard for a glass of good Irish Whiskey, but my “toasting tipple” will be a glass of 2012 Man O’ War – Ironclad, from the beautiful Island of Waiheke, just off the coast of Auckland. A fitting tipple after what promises to be a bruising battle!!
What’s the key to a) an Irish victory; b) an ABs victory?
We need to frustrate the All Blacks, keep the ball, slow the game down and wait for our moments to break the AB line. From an All Black perspective, do what they do best, set it up, quick ball out the back line, strong runners breaking through Irish defence… but hopefully they won’t!
What’s your score prediction for Saturday – and who will win the other 3 quarter finals?
I am predicting 21-16 to Ireland and think the other winners on the day will be England, Wales & South Africa.
INTERVIEW 2: THE IRISH PERSPECTIVE – Butlers Chocolates International Sales Director Karl Marnane
Karl, what’s the secret to an Irish victory at the weekend?
Murray and Sexton. It sounds obvious but we need to score tries and early on. Against South Africa, New Zealand were physically bullied for the first 20 minutes, but they turned the game around in the space of 8 minutes with two tries and it was game over. Ireland need to stop Aaron Smith getting quick ball.
Biggest concern about the opposition?
Where do I start?! Back-to-back World Champions, they have not lost a world cup match since the QF’s in 2007. They play brilliant running rugby. 12 months ago, NZ were struggling with their centres and also the backrow but suddenly players like Ardie Savea and Anton Lienert-Brown are really hitting form. I love the Barretts, what an incredible family. Three sons playing for the All Blacks. I doubt their parents will ever have to buy a drink again in New Plymouth.
Key man (forwards and backs) for the Irish?
James Ryan and Johnny Sexton.
Will you launch a special Butlers line extension if you beat the All Blacks? Just don’t launch it as a TR-exclusive in Auckland!
We just did, ironically it went into Auckland Airport this week!
Your picks for the 4 quarter-finals?
Ireland by 5 against NZ.
I think there will be another surprise in the other quarter finals, I think France like us have one big game in them, so I expect them to turn it on against Wales.
South Africa will put an end to the Japanese fairy tale. Japan have been the best team to watch so far in the tournament, but I expect South Africa to physically dominate them, but what a game. Cheslin Kolbe V Kotaro Matsushima would be worth the flight alone.
England v Australia is a tough one. On paper England are very strong but Australia are just so good at knock-out rugby. I would not be surprised at all to see them go through. Their biggest issue is they have been slow starters in all their games so far and against England I think they might just give them too much of a head start.
So… Ireland, France England, South Africa.
INTERVIEW 1: THE KIWI PERSPECTIVE – Auckland Airport General Manager – Retail and Commercial Richard Barker
Richard, what’s the secret to an All Blacks victory at the weekend?
The forwards need to dominate so we can unleash a talented backline.
Biggest concern about the opposition?
Ireland, after finally beating the AB’s in Chicago, now know they can beat the All Blacks. Belief counts for a lot.
Key man (forwards and backs) for the All Blacks?
The B’s. Brodie Retallick and Beauden Barrett
Surely it will be a premature end to the ARI (The Loop) duty free concession at Auckland Airport if the Irish beat the All Blacks?
No, I’ll have a good Irish whiskey to toast them. If we lose to England that’s another matter!
Your picks for the 4 quarter finals?
AB’s beat Ireland,
England beat Australia
Wales beat France
I want Japan to beat South Africa, but the big Boks forwards will shut them down.
And of course,… your score prediction for Saturday?
All Blacks 27 – Ireland 13. Go the ABs!
