NSW: NZ PM may pump up Wallabies by talking up All Blacks

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2009
NSW: NZ PM may pump up Wallabies by talking up All Blacks

By Adam Bennett

SYDNEY, Aug 21 AAP - New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has delivered what may prove
to be a motivational speech to the Wallabies ahead of Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup clash.

Speaking at Sydney's Sofitel Wentworth Hotel on Friday, Mr Key began by prophesying
an All Blacks victory at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

"It's absolutely wonderful to be here on the eve of another historic All Black victory,"

Mr Key opened, to the applause of Kiwis in the audience.

But not just content to taunt Wallabies' fans in attendance, Mr Key went on to question
Australia's sporting supremacy.

"I thought as I came over here on this trip that I would answer that one and difficult
question - which nation is the most successful sporting nation," Mr Key said.

"So, I randomly selected three questions that I thought might be helpful in answering
that question."

First, who had won the most Test matches.

"I went and added up every cricket Test match, every rugby Test match, every rugby
league Test match played between Australia and New Zealand," he said.

"These are the results: Australia has won 135 of those Test matches, New Zealand has won 141.

"One-nil to New Zealand."

Next, Mr Key tallied up who had won the most Olympic gold medals, per capita, saying
nothing was dearer to Australians than the Games.

"Of course, you'd need to adjust that for population size, it's ridiculous to add it
as a straight number," he said.

"Australia, per thousand people, 19.88 medals. New Zealand, 19.91."

Mr Key then launched his third and final attack on Australian sport, asking which country
had a greater hold on the world record for the mile.

Australia had two - John Landy and Herb Elliott. New Zealand had three - Jack Lovelock,
Sir Peter Snell and Sir John Walker.

"So, that is three-nil to New Zealand. I hope that has answered the question for you."

Mr Key and Kevin Rudd have made a wager about the game, with the prime minister of
the losing side forced to wear the official tie of the winning team.

The New Zealand PM said he was "very confident" he'd be wearing an All Black tie come
Monday, and even predicted a 12-point win.

"I might live to regret that," he said.

Mr Key is on an official visit to Australia and will attend Saturday's game.

AAP ab/hn/jlw/jfm/cdh

KEYWORD: TRI KEY

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