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All Blacks fans - Source: Photosport -
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With 100 days until the beginning of Rugby World Cup VII, I hope we really understand what an experience this event is going to deliver. Since the euphoria of that fantastic day in late 2005 (when we won the right to host this global event) we have publically debated, deliberated and on most counts disagreed on how we can best deliver our Rugby World Cup.
I'll tell you what I reckon - the time for the debating is well and truly gone. Whether you believed in a National Waterfront Stadium, or backed the Eden Park development, whether you believe the cost is too great or the best thing for New Zealand rugby is all now of little relevance. The decisions have been made, the choices done and the challenges met.
The reality is that we have paid for the party and the best part is that we are all invited! Yes, I accept that it may be out of reach for some to actually attend the play-off phase of the tournament. However, there will be so much activity surrounding each and every game the amount of enjoyment you have is up to you.
I have been fortunate to experience four World Cups and all from vastly different positions. In '87 I was a ball boy at Rugby Park Southland, at '95 and '99 I had the honour to play for the All Blacks and in '03 I had the opportunity to work with legend himself Keith Quinn in the commentary box.
At all of these events the host nation provided the opportunity to have the time of your life. Whether it is actually at the games, in the bars and restaurants, schools or shops, the role of host means the choice is yours. Seeing smaller communities embrace the rugby minnows, players and fans alike, and give them the stage the RWC deserves, shows it is always more than just a game.
The responsibility is ours, the challenge rests with all of us to show we are rugby fans and I for one am excited to be a part of it.
This is our chance to show we can host an event which delivers to a cumulative global audience of around four billion people. We are a proud sporting nation that continues to over achieve on the international stage given our modest population. By delivering a professional, supportive and productive Rugby World Cup in 2011 we will continue to justify our place in world sport.
And for the record, I believe the All Blacks are going to win it this time around.
What do you think? Have your say on the messageboard
below.
More coverage celebrating 100 Days until the Rugby World Cup
Kicks-Off:
Martin Devlin: RWC - Did you know?
Buck Shelford: Stop the World Cup bashing
Keith Quinn: Back-history of RWC - part one
Andrew Saville: Lessons learnt from 2007
Add a Comment:
Post new commentiankiwinz said on 2011-06-08 @ 05:50 NZDT: Report abusive post
Living in the UK but looking forward to the RWC. Not sure if the All Blacks will win but what an opportunity to promote NZ and banish some of the dark memories of the ChCh earthquake and Pike River mining disaster.
african said on 2011-06-03 @ 12:57 NZDT: Report abusive post
Actually GoldEarth, I'm an Early Childhood Teacher. I break my back every day trying to make sure the youth of tomorrow are intelligent and capable enough to clean up the idiotic and greedy decisions of the baby boomers. The World Cup is another example of this. And Finlaay, if you actually look at the numbers, the financial benefits of the World Cup are short term. A couple of months afterwards and you won't have even noticed it's happened.
london leo said on 2011-06-02 @ 12:58 NZDT: Report abusive post
I can't believe that some people are like winging pomms. I'm a kiwi in London working, and I will be wearing my All Black Jersey with pride. Didn't we loose some of world cup a few years ago? All because some stadiums wanted to keep there own advertising? Can't remember 100% if anyone can enlighten me? but everyone moaned about loosing the games also! (BRING BACK BUCK!)
Chris I said on 2011-06-01 @ 17:05 NZDT: Report abusive post
Martin - for a trainspotter of your elk it's surprising your facts on the tries scored in finals is wrong. According to you only 8 in total and 5 since 1991. Therefore only 3 in the 87 final if my maths is correct. 3 for the All Blacks maybe but France did manage a late consolation try to Berbizier.
Cann River Bob said on 2011-06-01 @ 15:47 NZDT: Report abusive post
I agree with your comments Andrew. This year we will almost certainly have the Number 13 playing who should clearly have played in 2007 - Conrad Smith - and with him comes that defensive package and work ethic that invariably identifies WC winning sides. Unless the selectors go nuts again my money is firmly on the AB's.