Sitting at the head of New Zealand's diplomatic mission in Australia could be a lonely role during a history-making trans-Tasman world cup final, but High Commissioner Chris Seed has found allies in other rugby-mad embassies across Canberra.
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After all, Fiji, Argentina, Uruguay and Britain's teams missed out on a place in the Rugby World Cup final thanks to the Wallabies, so many of their ambassadorial staff will look to the Kiwis to avenge them.
Mr Seed will also be backed by the approximately 600,000 Australian residents either descended from New Zealanders or born across the ditch.
The New Zealand High Commission building has only received a modest redecoration ahead of Sunday morning's decider, with All Blacks flags draped at reception, but the excitement of its staff is evident.
"It'll be a mighty match, especially since these are the two best teams around at the moment," Mr Seed said.
"Everything we've seen so far says this is going to be a tight match."
While receiving his fair share of banter from Aussies he deals with through work, Mr Seed said he gave as good as he got with the lighthearted sledging.
He will be enjoying some pre-game drinks with Australians on Saturday afternoon, but the screening of the match at 3am on Sunday will be an all-Kiwi affair.
"I think we'll be getting some sleep first, then getting up [for the game]," he said.
"We want to be well-rested when we're watching it; staying up until then would be a bit much."
Aside from the day-to-day jokes between Aussies and Kiwis, some companies have joined the spirit of friendly rivalry between the two countries.
Qantas and Air New Zealand agreed over Twitter to bet on the match, with the losing airline's staff to wear the victor's jerseys on flights on Monday.
Mr Seed said major sporting events between Australia and New Zealand reinforced the close bonds linking both shores of the Tasman Sea.
"There's a reminder that we're probably the two closest countries in terms of culture, trade and business," he said.
"That interconnectedness is evident every day, especially in business."
The Rugby World Cup is not the only match between Australia and New Zealand this weekend; the Diamonds took on the Silver Ferns as part of the netball Test series in Perth on Friday.
The two countries will also meet on the cricket pitch in Brisbane on Thursday for the Trans-Tasman Trophy.
Mr Seed said he was hoping for an All Blacks win, but come Monday it will be busy as usual in Canberra's diplomatic rounds.
"We'll still be as close and connected as ever once it's over."
