Springbok management relish Auckland's Island of Wine
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The Springbok management team swapped tackle bags and strategy sessions for wine and olive tasting during a day on Waiheke Island in Auckland, New Zealand.
The brains behind the Boks spent their scheduled day-off from the Tri Nations tour with a relaxing visit to the ‘Island of Wine’ as guests of Tourism Auckland.
Picturesque Waiheke Island, just 30 minutes from downtown Auckland, is renowned for its quality vineyards, art and sheltered beaches.
Among those to enjoy them was coach Peter De Villiers, assistant coaches Dick Muir and Gary Gold and ex-player Os du Randt.
The group cruised across Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour on the 73ft motor launch Nirvana and marvelled at views back to Auckland city.
De Villiers, head coach of the current world champions, says it was good to enjoy a relaxed moment of down time.
“I enjoyed the view, the water – every minute there was something new to watch and that’s brilliant,” he says.
On Waiheke the group visited an olive grove and several beaches.
This was topped-off with wine tasting and a hearty lunch at Cable Bay Vineyard, which is perched on a headland with outstanding views back to Auckland City.
Muir said it was a great day for the management team.
“To see what Auckland has to offer is always fantastic – it’s a beautiful place and there’s a lot more to see than the city centre. Waiheke is quite special in its diversity,” he says.
While this visit to Auckland is brief the Springboks will be welcomed back to the ‘City of Sails’ during next year’s Rugby World Cup 2011.
The team will train at Onewa Domain on Auckland’s North Shore, which has a large South African community and range of golf courses and beaches on its doorstep.
The Boks will play two matches at North Harbour Stadium and may take the pitch at Eden Park for the Semi-Finals and Final.
For more information about coming to Auckland for Rugby World Cup 2011 visit www.aucklandnz.com
Images courtesy of Getty Images
ENDS
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