Last night 28,113 fans took to Leeds United’s Elland Road to see world number one ranked team New Zealand take on World Cup holders Australia in the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals with a place in the final at Old Trafford up for grabs.
The fans in Leeds were very much behind the Kiwis especially as they chased the game in the late stages of the contest with Mal Meninga’s team 16-14 ahead thanks to a Cameron Murray try.
They were chanting “Kiwis!” and booed when the announcer said: “Three minutes left, give it up for Australia” and cheered when he said “give it up for New Zealand.”
However, try as they might they couldn’t inspire New Zealand to a winning try as Peta Hiku grounded the ball on the touchline.
When asked about the hostility towards them after the game, Australia Head Coach Mal Meninga joked saying: “Shock, horror.”
Whilst skipper James Tedesco said the team is used to it.
In fact he seemed to relish it saying they’ll soak it up and is expecting an even worse atmosphere next week in the final no matter if they meet England or their semi-final opponents Samoa.
He said: “It felt like that. we’re sort of used that over here, we know everyone is going to be against us and I’m sure who ever we play next week they’ll be against us so we’ll just soak it up.”