Thu 8 Sep 2011 | 06:01
Rugby World Cup Daily - Nearly there

7
Comments

If you're in New Zealand, or on that time zone, today is the day. If not, it's just a few hours of sleep then an exciting morning for the rest of us, as we've got New Zealand vs Tonga to look forward to. In today's RWC Daily, the first round is previewed.

Before that though, there is the usual opening ceremony, which lets be honest, can be a bore on occasion. It's all about kick off and nobody is really that bothered about all the colour, dancing, and displays of local culture. Having said that, at times we can be blown away by what a host nation puts on, so it'll be interesting to see what Eden Park has in store.

Pool B is featured in the video too, as Scotland face Romania and England take on Argentina, the latter of which should be a fascinating game. For now though it's all about the opening match, as Tonga have been preparing to face the almighty AB's in their own backyard.

There's a large Tongan following in New Zealand though, so the small nation will be looking to give the hosts a real battle, especially up front where they bring a lot of European experience to the pack.

The man with the weight of a nation on his shoulders, Richie McCaw, has final say as he talks about great  expectations. In is third and no doubt final World Cup, McCaw will be doing everthing in his power to ensure that his beloved countrymen aren't disappointed come October 23rd. 

On a sidenote, our new Rugbydump App is live and racking up the downloads. You can get it on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Android. It isn't available on Blackberry's at this stage unfortunately.
Download it now from the App Store & Android Marketplace for free

7 Comments

  • eltigre
    1:38 PM 09/09/2011

    I fully expect new zealand to choke and lose

  • z3r0326
    1:26 PM 09/09/2011

    Nothing compares to watching the opening ceremonies and an AB win in NZ. Here's to NZ going all the way this year!

  • moddeur
    9:30 AM 09/09/2011

    Jeez, I just started watching the RWC world cup coverage here in France, and the opening ceremony and match are on this private popula channel, TF1 ... it's horrible. Super patriotic stuff, with nice-looking girls sitting behind the hosts of the show. I mean I'm French, but I'll easily support my team as well as as a dozen other teams in this WC. This ultra patriotic bullshit is very football-like and tires me to the bone. Rugby is about people, not about nations. Ok gotta go, the ceremony's about to start, cool!!!

  • ak-nz
    2:32 AM 09/09/2011

    Juggernauter, the game actually kicks off at 20.30 NZ time. The build up, fireworks and ceremony are all before that.

  • juggernauter
    2:28 AM 09/09/2011

    So, is kick off at 20.30 (NZ time) or does the ceremony start at 20.30? Gee I have an alarm clock to set!!

  • mise
    1:46 AM 09/09/2011

    Ah here.....is it that the ceremonies are sometimes boring, or sports fans and culture don't always a happy mix make?

  • paimoe
    12:44 AM 09/09/2011

    Woohoo!