Kiwis to play World Cup double-header at new stadium

Christchurch’s new 30,000-seat stadium will host a Kiwis league double-header during the IRL World Cup next year.

The Kiwis will start their World Cup campaign against Australia in the tournament opener at Allianz Stadium on October 15, while the Kiwi Ferns will play Fiji Bulikula at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18.

Both teams then head to Christchurch for their round 2 games. On Sunday, October 25, they will both play under the roof at the new $683 million One New Zealand Stadium, which is set to open in April next year. The Kiwis will host the Cook Islands and the Kiwi Ferns will take on France.

The men’s, women’s and wheelchair World Cup tournaments will all be held over 31 days in October and November. Fourteen nations and 26 teams will play 53 matches in nine host cities across three countries.

Charnze Nicoll‑Klokstad runs at the defenders during the men's Pacific Championships match against Tonga at Eden Park in November. Photo: Getty Images

Kiwis fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad said playing at the stadium would be a new experience for most of the players.

"That will be amazing to play a game in Christchurch, let alone in a World Cup,” Nicoll-Klokstad told nrl.com.

"There will be a lot of excitement and a real buzz in the air in Christchurch.

"Everyone down there loves their rugby league so for us to play a World Cup game in Christchurch will be amazing.

"It is going to packed out with black-and-white fans, and everyone is going to get behind us."

Last year's test double-header against Australia saw 17,000 pack out Apollo Projects Stadium.

Kiwis second-rower Isaiah Papali’i said playing a pool match in Christchurch will give New Zealand’s World Cup campaign a boost.

“Playing a game at home, in our country, is what every Kiwi looks forward to and I love playing down there,” Papali’i told nrl.com.

“It is going to be in the new stadium, so I am looking forward to that. I have never played in an indoor stadium so it will be something different but just being at home is a big advantage, so I am looking forward to that game.”

The Kiwis perform the haka before the Rugby League Pacific Championships game against the Kangaroos at Apollo Projects Stadium on October 27 last year. Photo: Getty Images

Kiwi Ferns forward Alexis Tauaneai was excited to play France in Christchurch.

"To play in the World Cup is on my bucket list," Tauaneai said.

"I am looking forward to seeing all of the other countries, as well, to see how they go on the world stage.

"I reckon it will be very exciting and a different type of footy, especially with the way they play compared to how we play."

Kiwis Ferns prop Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa said the World Cup will be an opportunity to showcase the development of women's league and show off the talent and skill within the squad.

"I think the game has already gone leaps and bounds and for us Kiwi Ferns we just want to put on a good product and show what we can do as a footy team," Teakaraanga-Katoa said.

"I know the girls have been building over the last couple of World Cup campaigns to win one so if we could do that it would be awesome."

The New Zealand teams will also play a round 3 double-header at Cbus Stadium on the Gold Coast, where the Kiwis will meet Fiji Bati and the Kiwi Ferns play PNG Orchids.

Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will host the final of the men’s and women’s tournaments on Sunday, November 15. Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre will host the wheelchair final on Friday, November 13.

The 10-team men’s tournament games will be in Sydney, Port Moresby, Perth, Newcastle, Christchurch, Brisbane, Wollongong, Gold Coast and Townsville.