The Yellow Fever supporters group who transformed themselves into the White Noise for the successful World Cup Qualifier match between the All Whites and Bahrain on November 14 have the opportunity to once again demonstrate the power and value of a vociferous home crowd support in the sudden death Football match on Sunday March 7 when Wellington Phoenix play the Newcastle Jets.

Just like the World Cup game, this match is sold out well in advance of the kick off and fans are travelling in to Wellington from all round New Zealand with high expectations of a famous victory by the Phoenix produced in a high octane Stadium environment.

A win over the Newcastle Jets will see the Phoenix then play either Sydney or Melbourne away from home for a place in the Hyundai A League Grand Final on March 20.

The Phoenix have come into good form at exactly the right stage of the season heading into the finals however this recent success is also the result of some good planning and preparation throughout the season including some astute signings.

Owner Terry Serepisos has shown loyalty and commitment to his key people, CEO Tony Pignata and Head Coach Ricki Herbert and they in turn have delivered the results and performances when it has mattered.

Pignata’s experience and knowledge of the Australian Football scene and style of doing business has been a huge asset to the Phoenix from the very first season and he has contributed a solid management foundation for Ricki and his coaching team plus the players, who seem very happy to sign on for future seasons despite receiving numerous offers from other clubs.

Excellent signings such as captain Andrew Durante, who led Newcastle to the Championship 2 seasons ago, and Jon Mc Kain  have both been recently rewarded with call ups to the Australian squad.

Their strong performances in defence alongside new signing Liam Reddy over recent weeks has been a key factor in the team’s success and Reddy’s penalty heroics against Perth Glory showed a man in superb attitude and form.

Eugene “Big Daddy” was another late season signing who burst on the scene at exactly the right time and scored one of the goals of the season in a match winning debut.

Many thought the departure of Shane Smeltz at the end of last season would cause the Phoenix huge problems, however the arrival of Paul Ifill has been inspirational and with his flair and goal scoring ability he has become a major crowd favourite throughout the whole league while Chris Greenacre has been a tireless worker up front who has also grabbed vital goals.

As the season has built towards the excitement and anticipation of Finals Football, which is a first for the Phoenix, the Yellow Fever have also gathered momentum and found their voices which has been a significant factor in the team’s success.

Having stunned the New Zealand Sporting public with their incredible White Noise activity and support which drove the All Whites to World Cup Qualifying success last November the Yellow Fever will no doubt play a major role in the outcome of this Home semi final against Newcastle Jets.

The CEO of the Rugby World Cup 2011, Martin Snedden, described the All Whites match “the elation and the euphoria were not jingoistic. Yes, we were all celebrating an achievement by New Zealand but we were moved and united by the celebration of what sport had reminded us of. And that is the capacity to recognise and share the moment – and to demonstrate that New Zealand can showcase sport at its purest and most inspiring”.

Sunday March 7 2010, at Westpac Stadium will be another showcase of sport at its purest and most inspiring and another public statement that Football, the world’s game, has arrived and is becoming firmly established in New Zealand and particularly in Wellington.