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Nothing says 'Japan vs Thailand' like Redfern Oval.
The match was a warm-up for the Cabramatta Nines yesterday, so it was logical to stage it in Sydney. Other posters stated earlier than there was a proposed Thailand vs Japan game in Asia for the Asia Cup last year, but Japan had to withdraw due to the match being staged in October, and players being unable to take leave from work due to Japanese people only getting limited annual leave per year.
Inner City Sydney is culturally diverse, with the accelerating increase in high-density residential development across suburbs like Redfern, Alexandria, Waterloo, Rosebery and Zetland seeing an influx of residents from a range of South East Asian backgrounds such as China, Korea, Japan, Thailand etc, so it was an appropriate venue. The vocal Thai contingent, chanting in Thai, created a good atmosphere. yesterday's Cabramatta Nines attracted the Thai Consular General as a visitor, so the games created good interest.
Staging games in Australia is no different to the IRB staging a host of tests involving Tier 2 nations in Colwyn Bay in North Wales last November, and soccer nations like Australia playing friendlies in London.
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