Rugby Union

All Blacks to take Test Match against the USA seriously

Joel Smith • Wednesday 20th October 2021
All Blacks captains run at FedExField

The New Zealand All Blacks will take on the USA Eagles in the 1874 Cup on October 23 at FedExField in Washington and the rugby powerhouse won’t take a backward step.

Rugby Union is a popular sport played around the globe, enjoyed by more than 6 million people worldwide, with more than 55% of whom are registered players.

There’s little wonder that the upcoming test match between the iconic All Blacks and the USA in Washington is so anticipated. Around 40,000 spectators are expected to attend the game at FedExField, while many more will be watching it from home on TV and mobile devices. There are also those who register at NZ online casinos for real money betting on their favourite team. Read further to find out more about the event and what the opponents think about the game.

All Blacks vs USA on October 23

The rugby test match against the USA is designed to boost the profile of the sport in the United States and expose the game to Americans. It will be the first match in a series of five tests that the All Blacks will play against Italy, Wales, France, and Ireland. The game takes place on October 23 at FedExField, Landover, MD.  

All Blacks player Sam Cane, who hasn’t played in the USA for more than 5 years, spoke with journalists via video call sharing his thoughts about the upcoming game. Sam admits that it is quite challenging to have a game every single week and to fulfil the expectations and hopes of the fans, unions, and families. However, a history of consecutive wins makes All Blacks players work even harder.

The recent loss against South Africa which ended the winning streak for the All Blacks have made the players more determined and motivated in the US. Cane says that they have never been as well-rested and determined as they are now. After the game against South Africa, they had enough time to relax and recover, and are on full alert. 

During another call, Bryce Campbell, captain of the USA rugby team, said the All Blacks were one of the most serious and skilled opponents they have ever had. They are ready to compete with the best team in the world and are sure that it is a great opportunity to show what they are capable of. 

“We are very excited to make a performance that would make the fans proud and grow the game popularity in the country”, said Campbell. As of 2020, Eagles, the US men’s national rugby team, has occupied 16th position in the World Rugby rankings and was quite successful during the Olympic Games in Rio.

What we know about All Blacks

It is difficult to find a more popular and loved New Zealand team than the All Blacks. Still, there are many people who attend matches and don’t know much about the team. There are also foreigners who love rugby and want to stay updated. Here’s some brief information about the All Blacks along with the most significant dates and results:

  • They’re the most efficient international rugby team with a 77.41% winning percentage
  • The first test match was played back in 1903
  • All Blacks is the first team to ever win 500 test matches and hold 3+ Rugby World Cups (1987, 2011, and 2015)
  • They have 10 tri-nation trophies
  • The team has participated in seven rugby championships
  • All Blacks have been holding the Bledisloe Cup since 2003
  • Was named the World Rugby’s Team of The Year in 2010 – 2016
  • The team has won four Grand Slams (1978, 2005, 2008, and 2010) 
  • In 2009 – 2018, All Blacks were ranked number one in the World Rugby rankings

The team consists of many famous names including Aaron Smith, Akira Ioane, Ardie Savea, and Brad Weber. Their results are more than impressive, so no wonder that Kiwis and fans all over the world love the team so much.

The Venue: FedExField

The match will be held at FedExField, a 82,000-capacity stadium located in Washington. Opened in 1997, the venue was expanded in 1998, 2000 and 2005, and was renovated in 2011-12. Home of the Washington Football Team (formerly Washington Redskins) in the NFL, it once held as many as 91,000 spectators, but has had seats removed to reduce its capacity apparently due to a lack of demand at games. The stadium has been often criticised by fans and while it isn’t the most popular stadium in the USA, it does boast a big capacity and is expected to be around half-full for the All Blacks v USA game on Saturday.

Don’t miss the match

The big game will take place on October 23, 2021, and if you love spectacular matches, this is one not to be missed.

More News

The New Zealand All Blacks will take on the USA Eagles in the 1874 Cup on October 23 at FedExField in Washington and the rugby powerhouse won’t take a backward step.
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