Kevin Dittmer, general manager of All Blacks Supporters accepts to answer at CLUB XV, he talks about the Test of this saturday between France and New-Zealand in Marseille @ Velodrome Stadium.
(Member's association with ALL BLACKS)
• To begin... can you appear (you and your association) and to say to us why you support All Blacks team ?
When you are from NZ there is an unofficial religion; that is, being a supporter of the mighty All Blacks, there are 15 on the field and 4 million on the side line- the boys carry the country's pride every time they run on the field
• Why did you create the ' All Blacks Supporter Club Sydney" ?
It facilitates the ability to gather as many All Blacks Supporters together in one place, to watch the game in a very sociable environment in Sydney, at the Jade Tavern. Our club is international and we welcome all diehard rugby supporters from any nation.
- How much supporters they are in your group ?
Millions .lol. - but not all can make it on the night. In just 4 short months, our facebook group has grown to 600 plus, and we have approximately 1200 members.
• Do you prepare special things for this match ? ( with others supporters)
Steinlager Pure are our clubs sponsor, we have Steinlager specials at the bar on club nights. We also have a sweepstake on every All Blacks game, and prize giveaways of All Blacks merchandise to our members in a lucky draw. This week our hotel publican is putting up a sweepstake prize of (6) bottles of Champagne, (2) bottles of French Brandy, and (1) packet of Condoms. I wonder what gets opened first. lol.
• This week-end, New- Zealand meets the " XV de France", why this match is very important, why its ' the game that all All Blacks supporters have been wainting" ?
We are basically still hurting from the World Cup semifinal knockout. France has a real competitive team that is strong, rough, and they do not mind the odd fracas. I would not say we are intimidated but the XV de France is always treated with more caution than any other team we face.
• Which are assets of the All Blacks with regard to the French team ??
I think our running backs may cause a few headaches, and certainly the radar boot of Dan Carter (DC), and his tactical kicking.
• And about french team ? Do you think that Marc Lievremont's team can win this match at Marseille ?
There is no better time for the French to knock off the AB's. It has been a long year for the AB's and the French are playing magnificent rugby. A lot of secrets will have been learnt from DC, and a number of ex AB's have been doing the rounds in the French domestic league. Strategically, the French team has probably never been better prepared.
(DC with his fan !)
• Do you think Dan Carter is the " The weapon secret" of Graham Henry ?
Tactically yes but DC is only one of 15
• Which French player you dread ? Chabal ?
Chabal is great for the game. He certainly is an awesome sight, and a devastating player. We are currently checking his birth certificate to ensure he was born in 8 December 1977 in Valence, Drôme and not Wellington, New Zealand. Real answer - the French Captain!
• Have you got a message to the New-Zealand supporter and the team ?
Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. Kia Mau (I believe).
• A pronostic/ Forcast for the match ?
Stade Velodrome will host a fantastic match on Saturday night. Unfortunately, the crowd will go home slightly upset at the 26-16 score line to the All Blacks. Wayne Barnes, has he been invited .lol. After realising a fantastic spectacle, most likely with a sprinkle of controversy, it will be a great outing for both teams as we work towards the 2011 World Cup.
CLUB XV, november 09
