Thread: 2011 Rugby World Cup. Who will win?

less than six months they will have to make their decisions very soon.

Cruise ships - OK for an overnighter maybe, but for people intending to make Chch their base for a couple of weeks or more . . . bugger that, over-priced food, need for taxis everywhere.

And a portaloo on every corner!

I suspect they will 'pull the pin' and shift the games altogether. Will then impact on Dunedin matches as tourists may have been going to travel down from Chch for some matches.

I don't know how Oz would be viable - who pays all the are fares for people who have booked a series of matches in NZ, only to find some of the ones they paid for are now across the Tasman?

10/09 - 20:30 Argentina-England
11/09 - 15:30 Australia-Italy
25/09 - 20:30 Argentina-Scotland
01/10 - 15:30 Australia-Russia
and two quarter-finals October 8 and 9

Originally Posted by Plan B

but I wouldn't be surprised if the IRB announced a relocate to a bigger stadium in Aus with the $$$ gleaming in their eyes.

I would be. Wasn't the 2003 WC supposed to be Aus/NZ, but they kept on squabbling over things, so Aus went alone on it?

Seeing as the attendances will be low, I'm sure they can find some second tier stadiums to use.

^Why will the attendance be low?

can't see any rush for Christchurch tickets



Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully
Thursday Mar 10, 2011
Asked if he was concerned about 50,000 tickets were unsold for Christchurch games he said it was understandable people were waiting to see if games would be held there.

and

AMI Stadium like a 'putt putt golf course' - mayor
Thursday Mar 10, 2011
The field of AMI Stadium is like a "putt putt golf course", but the city should be given a chance to host Rugby World Cup games, mayor Bob Parker says.

and

Another large aftershock rattles Canterbury
Thursday Mar 10, 2011
Canterbury has been hit by yet another aftershock this evening, a magnitude 4.5 quake.
Canterbury has been shaken by hundreds of aftershocks since February 22's deadly 6.3 earthquake.

from RWC today

Current RWC 2011 ticket sales phase closes March 14.
Monday March 14 is the last day fans will be able to buy Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) tickets until the final sales period opens mid-year.
Ticket sales will pause while Tournament Organiser, Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011) begins the process of allocating seats for the more than 900,000 tickets sold to date. Once that process is complete tickets will be printed and despatched in late May.
When sales re-open mid-year, all remaining tickets will be made available until they are sold out and fans will be able to purchase tickets online, over the phone or across the counter.
“Anyone who has been thinking about buying tickets in the near future should do so before 5pm on Monday March 14”, said James Wear, RNZ 2011 Marketing Manager
Over 900,000 tickets have been sold to date, with 85,000 international fans from 100 countries set to arrive in New Zealand in 6 months.
Tickets for 40 matches can be purchased at www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets.

Tickets for matches in Christchurch
RNZ 2011, in partnership with Tournament Owner Rugby World Cup Limited, the New Zealand Government and the New Zealand Rugby Union, continues to assess to critical Tournament facilities and services in Christchurch. These include Stadium Christchurch itself, accommodation, training facilities, the transport network and other key infrastructure.
In the event that a match is rescheduled to be staged at a different venue, ticket holders may elect to either exchange the ticket with RNZ 2011 for a ticket for the rescheduled match or apply for a refund.

Originally Posted by Bobcock

I guess you just don't realise how small a market it is until you read figures like that, even the WRU isn't in that sort of strife and we have a smaller market. I guess having a stadium that pulls in money is the big plus for us.

following on - now Australia, and the financial impact of a RWC year


25% off ... Rugby's stars could lose up to a quarter of their earnings

Big paycuts on cards as ARU seeks salary cap
Josh Rakic
March 13, 2011

THE Australian Rugby Union is set to introduce an NRL (National Rugby League) -like salary cap to curb player expenditure of more than $30 million, cracking down on third-party payments, and reducing individual player payments by as much as 25 per cent as the code continues to suffer financial pressure.

In a rebuilding phase after hitting rock bottom in 2009, Australian rugby is already resigned to a fall in profits this year due to a restriction on Wallabies' in-bound Tests as a result of the World Cup.

And while television ratings have had a big increase the ARU is following the lead of European competitions in looking to stem the outflow of cash.

The code's biggest expenditure? Players' wages.

''The game is experiencing some financial difficulties, and as such the ARU is reviewing all of their expenditure items, player salaries included,'' a source said. ''They're looking at introducing an overall salary cap.''

It is widely accepted that players are entitled to 25 to 30 per cent of Australian rugby revenue, but with revenue down significantly, the governing body is looking to slash that share.

. . .

Under existing arrangements, Australian contracted players are largely earning more than their European and New Zealand counterparts - but so, too, are officials.

full article

Christchurch loses Rugby World Cup games
Last updated 15:36 16/03/2011

BREAKING NEWS: Earthquake-ravaged Christchurch has lost its rights to host seven Rugby World Cup games.

Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully made the announcement this afternoon.

McCully said the two quarter-final matches would go to Auckland and five the pool matches would be divided between other venues. He hoped some of these would remain in the South Island.

The teams that were to have played in Christchurch were Australia, England, Argentina, Italy, Georgia, Scotland and Russia.

McCully offered a heartfelt apology to Christchurch residents and Mayor Bob Parker for the decision that had to be made.

He said the damage was just too great for the Government and organisers to be able guarantee the stadium would be ready in time.

The entire playing surface needed to be replaced and the stadium may well not be available for the next Super Rugby season. The Government was stumping up $4.1 million to allow work on the turf to start immediately.

McCully also said there was an issue around finding enough accommodation for fans.

***********

Ticket purchasers for all Christchurch matches would be offered the option of a refund or the opportunity to secure tickets to the relevant reallocated matches.

There would be sufficient availability of tickets to rescheduled matches for those wanting to take up that option. Full details will be provided by the end of March. Further information can be found at Rugby World Cup 2011

player eligibility . . . and he is eligible via a grandparent; the only way Waldrom should see the WC is from the grandstand. But . . . all hype I hope - this is from him/agent rather from England mgmt. Oh well, some company for Flutey, Hape and Hartley.


Waldrom to play for England?
23rd March 2011


Leicester Tigers star Thomas Waldrom may run out for England in this year's Rugby World Cup after discovering his grandmother was born in the UK.

The New Zealand-born number eight has made a big impact for Leicester since joining them last year and recently spoke of his desire to play for Martin Johnson's team once he had served out the required 36 months of continued residency.

But Waldrom suddenly realised he may already be qualified after a meeting with his agent before waking up his mother in New Zealand to get confirmation.

"In theory, I could play tomorrow if they wanted me. I don't have to wait three years any more," Waldrom told the Leicester Mercury.

"My wife was going through the criteria. She saw the line about being able to qualify immediately if one of your grandparents was born in the respective country.

"I remembered reading somewhere that my grandmother was English. I rang up my mum in New Zealand, where it was four o'clock in the morning.

"I apologised for waking her up and asked if nana was born in England. She said yes, and that she also had the birth certificate to prove it."

at least he has English blood in him.... unlike Howarth and Sinkinson..... Henry is still a cvnt for that!!

Waldrom still looks as fat as ever, he is/was a solid provincial player, was backup to Rodney So'oialo (still playing, only 31), long career but many caps as a sub, left Wellington for Hawke's Bay, hardly a step-up, then Leicester.

Another NZer Dan Ward Smith from Palmerston North, but UK since 1999 is in the England Saxons team, also a #8 but at 33 won't have too many more rugby years in him.

************

and - you started it!

in the 'lest we forget' category

he's not worth much - even as a collectible
SHANE HOWARTH autographed Ruglys print, size approx 10" x 8"
Ref: TF3-10-aupt-sh - £9.00

you... I am Graham Henry?

Kiwi last I remember....

Originally Posted by genghis61

Leicester Tigers star Thomas Waldrom may run out for England in this year's Rugby World Cup after discovering his grandmother was born in the UK.

Fair enough, but the rest of them can fek off.

Why is that fair?....you seem to dislkie Trott and Pieterson who are far more English than this guy.....

Originally Posted by Bobcock

at least he has English blood in him.... unlike Howarth and Sinkinson..... Henry is still a cvnt for that!!

He was your coach. Suck it up .

Absolutely we had to take the wrap, doesn't stop the man who dreamt it up form being a cvnt who just happens to be a KeeWee

Jesus bobby..I seem to remember that your mob did quite well under "The great redeemer" for a wee while....They were happy to sing his praisers then.

Actually I just picked up his Biog whilst in Cardiff last week.

He did good things, no denying that, but to blatantly cheat and make us look embarrasing is close to unforgivable.

Originally Posted by Bobcock

Why is that fair?....you seem to dislkie Trott and Pieterson who are far more English than this guy.....

Fair enough. He can fuck off back to Chokerland as well.

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by Bobcock

Why is that fair?....you seem to dislkie Trott and Pieterson who are far more English than this guy.....

Fair enough. He can fuck off back to Chockerland as well.

Fixed that one for you Marmers.You can rely on me to help you out old boy...

Originally Posted by Bobcock

Actually I just picked up his Biog whilst in Cardiff last week.

He did good things, no denying that, but to blatantly cheat and make us look embarrasing is close to unforgivable.

Depends on if he did it knowingly.

you do go on about it though Bobby

^ Oooohhh....LC....you are a one.....5555

^ what's this..."Carry on Rugby" starring Barbara Windsor ?

Originally Posted by Little Chuchok

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by Bobcock

Why is that fair?....you seem to dislkie Trott and Pieterson who are far more English than this guy.....

Fair enough. He can fuck off back to Chockerland as well.

Fixed that one for you Marmers.You can rely on me to help you out old boy...

Do you want a dictionary?

^Love one. Why?

Originally Posted by Bobcock

make us look embarrasing

Was that the coach or the players?