Eight All Blacks Take On Irene Van Dyk And Co.

Media release - January 17

Eight All Blacks take on Irene van Dyk and co in charity cricket match

Eight All Blacks will take on netball sharp shooter Irene van Dyk, and other stars in the annual Cystic Fibrosis charity cricket match involving the Canterbury Crusaders at Hagley Oval on January 26.

The All Blacks in the Crusaders line up are Leon MacDonald (Captain), Sam Broomhall, Chris Jack, Justin Marshall, Aaron Mauger, Nathan Mauger, Richard McCaw and Andrew Mehrtens.

Van Dyk grew up in a cricketing environment in South Africa and will be able to perform with distinction among first-class cricketers.

``Irene is a secret weapon. She has the smile, guile and competitive nature to make a huge impact,'' match organiser Bruce Dunstan said.

The Cystic Fibrosis XI will be led by former New Zealand test cricket captain Lee Germon. Five other former NZ cricketers in the side are Debbie Hockley, New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden, Rod Latham, Stephen Boock and Mark Priest.

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans, Tall Black basketballer Dillon Boucher, New Zealand hockey goal scorer and current Canterbury cricketer Hayden Shaw and New Zealand Davis Cup tennis captain Glenn Wilson are also in the invitation side.

The Crusaders have won the last four games.

All proceeds go to the New Zealand Cystic Fibrosis Association to assist people with cystic fibrosis. It is the 12th year that cystic fibrosis has benefited and the 20th year of the event.

Cystic Fibrosis is the most common life-threatening, genetic disease affecting New Zealanders. It primarily affects the lungs and digestive system and no cure is yet available.

About 350 people in New Zealand suffer from cystic fibrosis. The association raises $350,000 a year. It does not receive any government funds.

Teams:

Cystic Fibrosis Invitation XI - Lee Germon (Captain), Stephen Boock, Dillon Boucher, Robbie Deans, Debbie Hockley, Rod Latham, Andrew Nuttall, Mark Priest, Hayden Shaw, Martin Snedden, Irene van Dyk, Glenn Wilson.

Canterbury Crusaders XI - Leon MacDonald (Captain), Sam Broomhall, Daniel Carter, Scott Hamilton, Ben Hurst, Chris Jack, Joe Maddock, Justin Marshall, Aaron Mauger, Nathan Mauger, Richard McCaw, Andrew Mehrtens.

Ends

Media advisory: For further information or photos please contact match organiser Bruce Dunstan on 03 3651122 or Kip Brook, Word of Mouth Media NZ 03 374 5426

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