Thursday, 29 October, Sydney

Sydney Opera House going Green & Gold for Rugby World Cup Final

Australia's iconic Sydney Opera House will turn Green and Gold in support of the Wallabies as they prepare to face the ultimate test against New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup Final in England early on Sunday morning.

Deputy Premier of NSW Troy Grant and Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayers made the announcement on the Sydney Opera House steps today flanked by injured Wallabies World Cup lock Will Skelton, FOX SPORTS presenter Matt Shirvington and group of keen young Wallabies fans.

From 8pm AEDT tomorrow (Friday 30 October), the sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated in the green and gold colours of the Wallabies in a spectacular showing of support for the team ahead of its date with destiny.

The famous sails will be wrapped in green and gold again on Saturday night untilmidnight, prior to kick off in the match at 3am AEDT on Sunday morning (1 November).

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayers said: “Sydney is the home of Rugby in Australia, and what better way to show our support than lighting up our iconic Sydney Opera House.”
 
“I encourage everyone across NSW and Australia to set your alarms, put out your best green and gold and cheer home our mighty Wallabies!”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Arts Troy Grant said it is only fitting Australia’s most iconic building sports the green and gold ahead of an iconic event. 
 
“Our Wallabies will know when they see the Opera House’s sails light up that everyone back home will be cheering hard and loud,” Mr Grant said.
 
“From Broken Hill, to the Riverina and up north to the Tweed, every fan across NSW and Australia is right behind our boys – let’s show the Kiwis what we’re made of.”

Will Skelton, the giant 140kg lock who was ruled out of the remainder of the Rugby World Cup after injuring his shoulder during the Wallabies 65-3 victory over Uruguay early in the tournament, said the players had felt the support from Aussie fans from the other side of the globe.

"The boys are really aware of the support back here at home and have enjoyed a lot of support over in England as well. Having such incredible support from the whole country has really lifted the team and I know the boys really want to make Australia proud when they run out on Sunday," said Skelton.

The Rugby World Cup 2015 Final between the Wallabies and New Zealand will be screened LIVE in Australia on FOX SPORTS, Nine and GEM.