TAB NZ asks the Irish rugby team to ‘Consider the odds’ in new campaign via Chemistry
Greeting the Ireland rugby team in Auckland this week is a series of cheeky reminders from TAB New Zealand and Chemistry, on how tough the games against New Zealand will be.
The unmissable campaign features ‘helpful’ facts and figures to make sure Aotearoa’s visitors – including the four New Zealand-born players in the Irish team – don’t forget the challenge that awaits them on the field.
Says Patrick Murphy, creative director at Chemistry: “Using some seriously insightful facts and figures, we’ve pulled together a campaign that will build momentum around these matches for TAB NZ customers and subtly remind them of the odds stacked against the Irish.
“From reminding fans that it’s been 28 long years since the All Blacks were knocked over at Eden Park, to the lack of tries scored by Craig Casey, we’re excited to see this one go live for TAB New Zealand and to be a part of such a major sporting event.”
The campaign has already sparked some great conversations in the media and a few laughs from Irish Coach, Andy Farrell, and will run across all of the test host cities with digital, radio and print to support.
Says Chris Perry, brand and campaign manager, TAB NZ: TAB NZ is proud of the All Blacks’ success at home and “ it is a very tough challenge for any team that visits our shores.
“We’re simply asking our Irish visitors to consider the odds of the tough challenge that lies ahead and we’ve done that through some fun, light-hearted banter which even the Irish coach has seen for the humorous approach that it is.
“Based on Ireland’s strong showing in this year’s Six Nations, this campaign really provides a springboard for us to leverage what should be a competitive test series between two rivals who have had some incredible battles in recent times.
“It should be a thrilling three-test series that will keep fans of both sides on the edge of their seats.”
Says Craig Harrison, business director, Chemistry: “The team at TAB really pushed us to come up with some unique ideas that would enable the brand to show up differently and spark conversation.
“Talking up the All Blacks is a bit taboo within Kiwi culture, but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be bold, poke some fun and back our chat with stats.”
The TAB New Zealand campaign represents further momentum for Chemistry, which has recently created brand platforms for MTF Finance, Red Rat streetwear and Huckleberry organic food stores.
Client: TAB NZ
Agency: Chemistry
Creative Director: Patrick Murphy
Senior Creatives: Neill McAlpine, Jacqui Barry and Matt Watts
Business Director: Craig Harrison
Media Agency: MBM
17 Comments
The tone of this couldn’t be more wrong. It’s abrasive towards a rugby union we have no historical beef with… if anyone, I think kiwis are happy to lose to the Irish. Yes people are talking about it, but none in a good way. Makes me embarrassed to be a New Zealand rugby fan.
There are plenty of things that should make you embarrassed to be a nz rugby fan – namely:
You guys hardly cheer your own team.
You don’t sing, your chant is just two words: ALL BLACKS!
Your team puts on more of a song and dance on the field with the haka – than you ever do in the stands.
You boo and jeer as the opposition kicks. EMBARRASING.
You expect your team to win- you don’t just go there to enjoy the game.
These ads make you look like you actually have a sense of humour and are clever enough to crack a joke.
Have a good look at yourself mate. NZ has the best teams and the shittest fans in the world I reckon .
Calm down agency planner
Not very TAB, not very NZ, not very All Blacks, not very funny.
On Saturday. Cheers!
but i would take odds and stake it to win millions, not because of campaign
Largely agree with the comments so far. Although I must say, the Joe Schmidt line is quite clever/funny.
Calm down, Granddad. It’s a bit of light-hearted fun. And from what I’ve seen (on news the other night), the Irish and their coach enjoyed the banter.
If we win on Saturday, TAB and NZ look like arrogant twats. If we lose, TAB looks like clueless twats who gave Ireland extra motivation. #twats
Granted, a few lines might rub the borings up the wrong way, but I’d argue that’s the point. Lots of legs here.
Schmidt happens is good schmidt.
I love these. Nice one Paddy, Matty and crew.
Well written, beautifully art directed. Referencing teams without breaking rules, capturing the moment and having fun.
I hate gambling, and think gambling ads should be banned. Even so, riding past these the other night made me smile and excited about the game.
What happened to ‘now you’re in the game’?
So sad NZ has lost it’s sense of humor and we no longer can have a bit of banter without offending anybody.
Get a life everybody,it’s just advertising.
We,re not saving lives here.
@Ashwin Gopal I couldn’t agree more. They’re good.
I love this. It surprisingly works.
Post match, these really don’t work so well. Although I’m sure the Irish would enjoy seeing them again if they’re still up.