The All Blacks go into a huddle during yesterday's captain's run. Photo / Getty Images
6.03pm:
nzherald.co.nz's Hayden Donnell has left Eden Park to soak up the atmosphere at the surrounding bars in Kingsland.
"John, a South African, is wearing a tight Australian jumper in a Kingland bar. He lost a bet to his Australian friend on the quarter-final result and is distinctly unhappy about it. He is picking the All Blacks to win tonight. If he makes it through the game."
While Paul Harper adds from the viaduct: "The Red Checkers are flying overhead as All Blacks and Wallabies fans enjoy the gorgeous weather on Auckland's waterfront. More Kiwis than Aussies but those yellow shirts are hard to miss".
5.57pm:
Two articles looking at the number 10s playing in tonight's game. The Herald on Sunday's Michael Burgess says the result hinges on the unpredictable Quade Cooper who has failed to shine at the World Cup so far.
Meanwhile the All Black first-five Aaron Cruden has played just over a half of rugby at the tournament. All Black great Inga Tuigamala is happy to see the Manawatu number 10 get a chance to shine who he says is fearless.
5.49pm:
Meanwhile nzherald.co.nz's Hayden Donnell is at Eden Park already! It seems to just be him and the choir at the ground at the moment.
"The only update I can give you is that the choirs have finished practicing the Australian anthem (once through) and are on to God Defend New Zealand (twice through and counting)," he says.
"Conditions are great. It's sunny and dry and perfect for the kind of rugby both NZ and Australia like to play. The Phoenix game is on TV in the media room. Slightly embarrassing given the number of European and British media milling about in here."
5.35pm:
nzherald.co.nz's Paul Harper is checking out the crowds gathering down at party central. He says: "At a bar on Auckland's waterfront watching the mighty Wellington Phoenix. Pubs here are packed full of yellow and black. Real buzz around the city ahead of the game".
5.24pm:
Some history lessons for you: The All Blacks have won 18 of their 22 encounters against Australia at Eden Park, while Robbie Deans as a 21 percent win-loss record against the All Blacks. For more statistics on All Blacks vs Australia check out this great graphic.
5.03pm:
Here's a question not many New Zealanders want to think of a few hours out from kickoff: What happens if the All Black lose?
The Herald on Sunday's Andrew Alderson writes: "Passion and support is welcome, but experience says we castigate losing All Blacks teams irrationally".
4.44pm:
Which team will win tonight's clash? 10 former internationals, including the likes of Tana Umaga, Josh Kronfeld and Nick Farr-Jones, share their thoughts on the big game with each predicting a winner.
4.30pm:
So the day has finally come and we are less than five hours away from the All Blacks' semifinal clash with the Wallabies at Eden Park.
Stick with us as we bring updates from around the city as Auckland prepares to host possibly the biggest All Black game ever.
nzherald.co.nz's Paul Harper and Hayden Donnell are heading to the ground and will send updates from fans of both camps and what the feeling is just hours out from the match.
- HERALD ONLINE
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