All Blacks vs Wales
Carisbrook, dunedin
19 june 2010

This winter will see the All Blacks play a test match on the hallowed turf of Carisbrook for the last time. As New Zealand builds up to the biggest rugby party of them all, World Cup 2011, Dunedin is going all out with a brand new roofed stadium. Although an exciting future lies ahead with the new venue, on June 19 we will celebrate the culture and history of Carisbrook, one of the great rugby grounds of the world.

In 2008 we marked 100 years of test rugby at this ground, with an intense game against the mighty Springboks. Last year, the powerful French visited and caught the All Blacks napping, this year see's another fanatical rugby nation, Wales coming to Dunedin, to try their luck at a ground that has favoured the All Blacks more often than not.

It will be Wales first test match here in Dunedin, having only played against the provincial Otago side on previous tours, making them the only major rugby nation not to have faced the All Blacks at Carisbrook and of course the last to do so.

Dunedin is always a great place to watch a test match, with southerners travelling far and wide to experience and be part of the atmosphere, this year there is added emotion as we farewell this fortress of rugby in the deep south.

Travellers are welcome to be a part of the festivities in Dunedin and it is surely a “must do” while backpacking in New Zealand, to watch the All Blacks live!!!

Adding to the atmosphere will be what has become an essential event along side any major rugby game in Dunedin, the Nude Rugby!!! An event that has grown in stature and size since its humble beginnings in 2001.

Visiting teams have struggled with the pace and power of the Nude Blacks over the years and they have remained unbeaten. Last year the challenge came from Les Coqs of France and this year we expect a strong side to make their way from the valley's of Wales.

The Nude Rugby match for 2010 will no doubt be a torrid affair, with a result that could swing either way, it will be played as the unofficial curtain-raiser to the test match on the afternoon of the 19 June with a time and location to be advised.

Headfirst Travel Events and Bottom Bus have packages for you to “get amongst it” over the test weekend with one and three day options from Queenstown or Dunedin, as well as add-ons to our Bottom Bus, Deep South Adventure tour.

Three day packages include return transport from Queenstown to Dunedin, two nights backpacker accommodation, test ticket, brewery tour, match day functions including the Nude Rugby, souvenir t-shirt, transfers around town and a bloody good time.

One day package "Up N Under" includes transport from Queenstown to Dunedin returning after the game, match transfers, test ticket, pre-match function, the Nude Rugby and souvenir t-shirt.

Add-ons to Bottom Bus are based on the three day package, without Queenstown return transport, and match day only in Dunedin.

See you there!!!