Prime ministers wager their ties on rugby grudge match

Prime ministers Kevin Rudd and John Key have made a friendly wager tied to the outcome of the Tri-Nations rugby Test between their countries, Australia and New Zealand, on Saturday.

The rival PMs said at a joint press conference in Canberra on Thursday that in their bet the losing prime minister must wear the tie of the winning team on Monday.

“Depending on who wins, the prime minister of the losing team, I suggest John [Key], wears the official tie of the winning team on the following Monday,” Rudd light-heartedly told reporters.

Key, who will be attending Saturday’s match in Sydney, said: “Black is a colour for mourning and that may well be the situation on Monday,” as he exchanged ties with Rudd at the press conference.

“We look forward to Saturday night and the return of [star fly-half] Dan Carter and an All Blacks team that will be fired up for a victory.”

Rudd replied: “So just in preparation and with no assumption as to who may win on Saturday, I look forward to the Wallabies doing very well indeed.”

The All Blacks historically have the edge over the Wallabies, with 107 wins to 45 losses and five draws, but the Australians usually produce their best efforts at Sydney’s Olympic stadium where Saturday’s game will be staged.—AFP