All Blacks wins first match of the Iveco Series 2007

The first rugby match of the Iveco Series 2007 was contended last weekend in the marvellous setting of Eden Park stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. A PowerStar – the Iveco heavy goods vehicle manufactured in Australia that combines the aggressive image of the American “bonneted” style with European comfort and technology – in its now-classic livery inspired by Maori tattoos, welcomed the more than 40,000 spectators who packed the terraces.

The All Blacks did not disappoint their fans and won what was the first of two matches on the calendar against France for the conquest of the Stralis Cup.

Besides the score (42-11), the match (played on a field emblazoned with the Iveco brand) was conditioned by the many injuries the New Zealand players sustained, including Captain Richie McCaw who was forced to leave the field halfway through the match. The French team’s defensive game tested the New Zealand players sorely, who were rarely able to show all of their offensive power.

The second and decisive match that will determine which team takes the Stralis Cup – the All Blacks or France - will take place on 9 June in Wellington. These two teams are the most promising to win the upcoming World Cup scheduled for September in France.

Winning tactical diagrams, the players’ athletic prowess and the best highlights can be seen in the special Iveco Series 2007 section on the allblacks.iveco.com website.