Even the Black Caps are putting everything on hold for the Rugby World Cup final between the All Blacks and the Wallabies.
The New Zealand cricket team didn't deny suggestions on Wednesday that they have cut short their last warm-up fixture for the Test series against Australia, so they can best enjoy rugby's showpiece game between the bitter trans-Tasman rivals.
The final kicks off at 3am Sydney time on Sunday, the day the Black Caps' four-day match against a CA XI was due to conclude at Blacktown International Sportspark.
But that match had been rolled back to three days, leaving the entire Black Caps squad to enjoy the game without having to worry about a cricket match later in the day.
"It has been something that has been mentioned, that is just a heavy coincidence," joked Black Caps allrounder James Neesham on Wednesday.
"We have a good relationship with the All Blacks and there is a fair bit of talk that goes on between the teams between seasons, so we will definitely be getting up to watch the game and we wish them all the best."
In truth the Black Caps have rearranged their schedule to better prepare for an expected bouncy and pacy 'Gabba wicket when the first Test starts on Thursday week.
A flat Manuka Oval wicket in their two-day match in Canberra is expected to be followed up by a slow pitch at Blacktown. Now the Kiwis will fly to Brisbane on Sunday a day earlier than planned for extended sessions on the Gabba practice wickets that faithfully portray their centre wicket relatives.
"That was a coaching decision," he said.
"We thought it best for our group to get the training in conditions that are most similar to what the first Test is going to be like. Getting up to the Gabba with quicker and slightly bouncier wickets seemed the way to go.
Interest in the Rugby World Cup has shaded coverage of the lead-up to the Australia-New Zealand three-Test series, but Neesham expects cricket will be in the spotlight after the RWC final.
"We have managed to fly under the radar a bit in New Zealand at the start of this tour," he said.
"The majority of our media is caught up in the Rugby World Cup and I suppose when that tournament is over the attention will turn to us for the first Test."
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