They have anounced that the rugby world cup games Christchurch had will held elsewhere, as there are doubts if the stadium will be ready in time (as well as accomodation concerns).

The two quarterfinals are being moved to Auckland. This means Auckland will get (of the 8 non-pool games)
The final
Both semifinals
The third place playoff
Two of ther four quarterfinals (the other two being in Wellington)
Two of the four All Black pool games (including the major one against France, the other two being in Hamilton and Wellington. Christchurch was going to get the All Black quaterfinal which will now go to Auckland)

It seems to me like its been turned from NZ hosting the rugby world cup into Auckland hosting it (Auckland getting almost all the big games and the rest of the country being given minor pool games).

Anyone else feel the same way

I hope we can rectify it by making sure that next time New Zealand gets a mahjor sporting event the rest of the country, especially Christchurch, can be compensated by having as much of it outside Auckland.

A Christchurch/Mt Hutt winter olympics maybe?

Anyone else feel slightly peeved about the whole world cup being in Auckland?

Yeah, I do agree it is a bit Auckland-centric now...

They have anounced that the rugby world cup games Christchurch had will held elsewhere, as there are doubts if the stadium will be ready in time (as well as accomodation concerns).

The two quarterfinals are being moved to Auckland. This means Auckland will get (of the 8 non-pool games)
The final
Both semifinals
The third place playoff
Two of ther four quarterfinals (the other two being in Wellington)
Two of the four All Black pool games (including the major one against France, the other two being in Hamilton and Wellington. Christchurch was going to get the All Black quaterfinal which will now go to Auckland)

It seems to me like its been turned from NZ hosting the rugby world cup into Auckland hosting it (Auckland getting almost all the big games and the rest of the country being given minor pool games).

Anyone else feel the same way

I hope we can rectify it by making sure that next time New Zealand gets a mahjor sporting event the rest of the country, especially Christchurch, can be compensated by having as much of it outside Auckland.

A Christchurch/Mt Hutt winter olympics maybe?

Anyone else feel slightly peeved about the whole world cup being in Auckland?

You do realise under these circumstances there will be many Aucklanders who wont exactly be happy about this either plus the increased stress on infrastructure and accomodation.
Its a shame Dunedin or Wellington doesnt have a 45-55k seat stadium and accomodation(maybe in the future).
Remember there will be other events and we will build Christchurch up for next time.

Will some of the games be played at Hrabour Stadium or will they all end up at Eden Park?


Anyone else feel slightly peeved about the whole world cup being in Auckland?

Why? You can't blame Auckland for Christchurch being flattened by an earthquake, please be realistic, the games have to be played somewhere.

It seems to me like its been turned from NZ hosting the rugby world cup into Auckland hosting it (Auckland getting almost all the big games and the rest of the country being given minor pool games).

Anyone else feel the same way

I hope we can rectify it by making sure that next time New Zealand gets a mahjor sporting event the rest of the country, especially Christchurch, can be compensated by having as much of it outside Auckland.


This has to be one of the most pathetic, selfish posts I have read in quite some time.

The NZRU originally took a bath (financially) by hosting ALL quarter finals in significantly smaller (30% smaller) venues outside of Auckland, to spread those games around the country. This was in addition to the pool games those venues were getting and despite the impact this would have on the availability of tickets for visiting supporters. Remember them?

There is simply no option to play those QFs in Christchurch now. So what's the next option - reduce the availability of tickets by an additional 25% and host QFs at a 30,000 seat stadium in Dunedin? Its simply not acceptable to host a QF, for a tournament of this magnitude, in a stadium of less than 40,000 capacity. We only have two other stadiums with that capacity other than AMI, and one is already hosting 2 QFs. Auckland was the only option.

Most pool games will remain in the SI and that's fair enough. But big picture please - this is a World Cup and needs to cater for people other than just NZers.

KLK, I don't think Nicholas O's post was pathetic or selfish at all.

I think you could be a bit more understanding about the situation and the way people are feeling. I take it you are not from Christchurch, or not in Christchurch. My guess is you are in Auckland.

As far as the subject matter of the RWC is concerned, I fear it has lost a lot of attraction from the rest of the world's point of view. Like it or not, it is now the Auckland World Cup, and many fans pretty much will just be interested only in the Auckland games. A good chunk of the touring of the country that was being planned will now be off. I have a friend in London who's already said that if the RWC means camping out in Auckland for 2 or 3 weeks in a motel then he's not particularly interested any more. Also I don't think it helps that - let me try to put this delicately - that Auckland doesn't have such a strong rugby tradition any more, compared to the rest of the country and Canterbury in particular.

I understand that having two of the quarterfinal games in Auckland was perhaps the only realistic option following the quake. Having said that Rotorua International Stadium has 34 000 capacity compared to 36 000 in Wellington and has lots of accomodation being a tourist place already.

I also understand the concern about the the two semifinals being held together as many people will want to attend both asnd the difficulties of having so many 30 000 people travel between cities at such short notice, so they both had to be in the same city (Auckland). I still don't know why the tird place playoff had to be in Auckland too.

What could be done is compensate the South Island for the loss of Christchurch games by having the All Blacks vs France game go to Dunedin, and having the All Blacks quaterfinal in Wellington instead of Auckland. The winner pool D vs looser pool C quaterfinal can go to Auckland instead

I understand that having two of the quarterfinal games in Auckland was perhaps the only realistic option following the quake. Having said that Rotorua International Stadium has 34 000 capacity compared to 36 000 in Wellington and has lots of accomodation being a tourist place already.

I also understand the concern about the the two semifinals being held together as many people will want to attend both asnd the difficulties of having so many 30 000 people travel between cities at such short notice, so they both had to be in the same city (Auckland). I still don't know why the tird place playoff had to be in Auckland too.

What could be done is compensate the South Island for the loss of Christchurch games by having the All Blacks vs France game go to Dunedin, and having the All Blacks quaterfinal in Wellington instead of Auckland. The winner pool D vs looser pool C quaterfinal can go to Auckland instead

Perhaps Wgtn could have had an extra game or two, but the reality is Akl is where the infrastructure (hotels mainly) is. Wgtn is fairly limited at the best of times.

It is a shame, but lets be honest it is the only decision that could have been made. The IRB also would have had a big say in this.

If ChCh wants to waste money on a bid for the winter olympics go for it.. just not with tax payers money.

At present there is less than 20% of the CBD hotels in a state to host guests anytime soon. Around 30-40% are to be demolished and the balance could be demolished, or will be offline for 2-4 years. How was it realistic to host a major event in ChCh given the lack of the most basic of infrastructure required for a major event. Additionally people (tourists) arent going to want to stay in ChCh for a while.

KLK, I don't think Nicholas O's post was pathetic or selfish at all.

Suggesting some Auckland conspiracy as a result of a catastrophic event that has put a real spanner in the logistics of the tournament is pathetic and selfish.

The I think you could be a bit more understanding about the situation and the way people are feeling. I take it you are not from Christchurch, or not in Christchurch. My guess is you are in Auckland.

Well, keep on guessing. Not from Auckland, never lived there, grew up about 8hrs away actually. But would you be from the SI?

And don't be insulting. We all have great sympathy for the people of Christchurch. But this tournament isn't about just the people of Canterbury or the SI.

As far as the subject matter of the RWC is concerned, I fear it has lost a lot of attraction from the rest of the world's point of view. Like it or not, it is now the Auckland World Cup, and many fans pretty much will just be interested only in the Auckland games. A good chunk of the touring of the country that was being planned will now be off. I have a friend in London who's already said that if the RWC means camping out in Auckland for 2 or 3 weeks in a motel then he's not particularly interested any more. Also I don't think it helps that - let me try to put this delicately - that Auckland doesn't have such a strong rugby tradition any more, compared to the rest of the country and Canterbury in particular.

Where to start with that....

People will still go to Christchurch (most will use it as the main flight hub) and people will still go to the SI.

We are talking about 2, maybe 3, out of 7 games originally planned for ChCh leaving the SI. The rest will remain. You talk about it being Auckland-centric, but clearly you took a Chch-centric view all along. Your comments that no-one will visit the SI now are insulting to Invercargill, Nelson and Dunedin who are hosting games (and may host more), not to mention places like Queenstown who will host teams.

Sounds like your friend is a little ignorant if he thinks he has to camp out in Auckland for 2-3wks. I hope you let him now he's allowed to travel. Hell, if he is following England, they do play in Dunedin and he can get in some SI sightseeing (perhaps fly into Chch and make his way down?)

Do I think the tournament has lost a bit of its shine because of ChCh not being involved? Absolutely. But "alot"? That's chip-on-the-shoulder stuff. They were holding only 7 of the 48 games.

What's done is done. We have to make the best of a bad situation, and moving the QFs to Akl was the only option. If you are objective about it.

I understand that having two of the quarterfinal games in Auckland was perhaps the only realistic option following the quake. Having said that Rotorua International Stadium has 34 000 capacity compared to 36 000 in Wellington and has lots of accomodation being a tourist place already.

Wellington to host 4 QFs over 2 days? Where would the suporters of the 8 teams stay, given that they will already struggle with 4? And the Rotorua stadium is not of sufficient standard to host such an event - grass banks? Besides, I bet the IRB has a 40,000 min capacity for QFs. Its why Hamilton missed out originally.

I also understand the concern about the the two semifinals being held together as many people will want to attend both asnd the difficulties of having so many 30 000 people travel between cities at such short notice, so they both had to be in the same city (Auckland). I still don't know why the tird place playoff had to be in Auckland too.

Again, I think the IRBs capacity-concerns would rule out anything under 40,000. That left Chch or Wgtn. Everybody would have planned to be in Akl for the semis. Makes sense.

What could be done is compensate the South Island for the loss of Christchurch games by having the All Blacks vs France game go to Dunedin, and having the All Blacks quaterfinal in Wellington instead of Auckland. The winner pool D vs looser pool C quaterfinal can go to Auckland instead

While this is a nice idea in principal, the logisitcs or rearranging travel packages for French travellers - and NZ ones for that matter - make it nigh on impossible to undertake at such short notice.

Rotoruas capacity is 26,000 and Wellingtons is 40,000. Those with tickets to the games in Christchurch or those planning to travel down there for the games have been stuffed around with already and now you want to move more games around runing even more peoples plans just for the sake of 'compensation'?

KLK, you sound like a child - and if you are a child I apologise for what I'm about to say.

No, no one is suggesting conspiracy theories. I think we all understand the earthquakes are acts of nature. Read the thread again, this time with a clear head.

No, no one is suggesting that people can't visit the South Island if they want to, although I think most would agree that fewer people will do so as a result of the earthquakes. I think most would agree that fewer people will visit NZ (Air NZ seem to agree.)

No again: Regarding my friend who is no longer interested in the RWC because it would mean spending pretty much all his time in Auckland: KLK, have you ever heard of the expression "the customer is always right". You can call him all sorts of names if you want to, but its his decision whether to come to New Zealand and not yours. He is a perfectly rational guy. It is also the decision that thousands of others are mulling. (p.s. "alot" is not a word)

No, I'm not really interested in guessing where you are from. You could always post that important information, if you think those of us reading it will benefit from that information.

Yes, I am from Christchurch.

Yes, I am Christchurch-centric and I care deeply about the city. Many of my friends and family have had their houses destroyed, lost their jobs, lost their businesses, and some have been seriously injured. Fortunately no one I know is dead. Many live in a state of fear and sleeplessness. Several live in tents in their back yards because their house has been destroyed. They dug themselves a long-drop and get water from a water tank that passes daily at the end of their street. One such couple in this situation are in their mid-eighties and have no heating of any form, or children or friends they can move in with. Spare bedrooms, even with strangers, are like hen's teeth - and they are too proud. Anyone's guess what will come of them and many others like them come next spring.

Finally I have not personally met anyone in Christchurch who gives a flying s*** about the RWC anymore. Me included. Presumably, and from the look of his thread and others, there are many people who are licking their lips at the opportunity it presents their city, while trying to deal with the guilt they feel for that. Well, down in ChCh we are more concerned about getting from today to tomorrow. So those of you with any feelings of guilt left, don't bother on my account at least. I will be refunding my QF tickets since Auckland is a long long way away - hopefully someone in Auckland can resell them and fill their stadium. It sounds like a big task. I hope the ABs win and I'm sure I'll watch it on TV. (Maybe someone from Auckland will make the AB team and contribute to that victory :) )

We do care that the RWC is still the best it can be for NZ, and we are concerned - as I stated in an earlier posting - that the earthquakes and the focus on Auckland has diminished the attraction of the RWC for NZ as a whole, of which we are still part. Like it or not, it is now widely-perceived as the Auckland World Cup, and its pretty obvious why when you look at the business end of the tournament.

KLK, if you want to do something meaningful with your time I suggest you show a bit of compassion and think about what you might be able to do for compatriots who are less fortunate than you right now. Please think about some of the things you have said, and try to not be a prick. There is only one person being pathetic and selfish here. Volunteers are desperately needed in Christchurch and any assistance in any form is most gratefully accepted in the city. For people not living in the city or willing or able to travel to participate, the government's website which accepts financial contributions is probably the best route. http://www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz If you can't say or do anything good, I suggest you say nothing at all.

KLK, you sound like a child - and if you are a child I apologise for what I'm about to say.

No, no one is suggesting conspiracy theories. I think we all understand the earthquakes are acts of nature. Read the thread again, this time with a clear head.

No, no one is suggesting that people can't visit the South Island if they want to, although I think most would agree that fewer people will do so as a result of the earthquakes. I think most would agree that fewer people will visit NZ (Air NZ seem to agree.)

No again: Regarding my friend who is no longer interested in the RWC because it would mean spending pretty much all his time in Auckland: KLK, have you ever heard of the expression "the customer is always right". You can call him all sorts of names if you want to, but its his decision whether to come to New Zealand and not yours. He is a perfectly rational guy. It is also the decision that thousands of others are mulling. (p.s. "alot" is not a word)

No, I'm not really interested in guessing where you are from. You could always post that important information, if you think those of us reading it will benefit from that information.

Yes, I am from Christchurch.

Yes, I am Christchurch-centric and I care deeply about the city. Many of my friends and family have had their houses destroyed, lost their jobs, lost their businesses, and some have been seriously injured. Fortunately no one I know is dead. Many live in a state of fear and sleeplessness. Several live in tents in their back yards because their house has been destroyed. They dug themselves a long-drop and get water from a water tank that passes daily at the end of their street. One such couple in this situation are in their mid-eighties and have no heating of any form, or children or friends they can move in with. Spare bedrooms, even with strangers, are like hen's teeth - and they are too proud. Anyone's guess what will come of them and many others like them come next spring.

Finally I have not personally met anyone in Christchurch who gives a flying s*** about the RWC anymore. Me included. Presumably, and from the look of his thread and others, there are many people who are licking their lips at the opportunity it presents their city, while trying to deal with the guilt they feel for that. Well, down in ChCh we are more concerned about getting from today to tomorrow. So those of you with any feelings of guilt left, don't bother on my account at least. I will be refunding my QF tickets since Auckland is a long long way away - hopefully someone in Auckland can resell them and fill their stadium. It sounds like a big task. I hope the ABs win and I'm sure I'll watch it on TV. (Maybe someone from Auckland will make the AB team and contribute to that victory :) )

We do care that the RWC is still the best it can be for NZ, and we are concerned - as I stated in an earlier posting - that the earthquakes and the focus on Auckland has diminished the attraction of the RWC for NZ as a whole, of which we are still part. Like it or not, it is now widely-perceived as the Auckland World Cup, and its pretty obvious why when you look at the business end of the tournament.

KLK, if you want to do something meaningful with your time I suggest you show a bit of compassion and think about what you might be able to do for compatriots who are less fortunate than you right now. Please think about some of the things you have said, and try to not be a prick. There is only one person being pathetic and selfish here. Volunteers are desperately needed in Christchurch and any assistance in any form is most gratefully accepted in the city. For people not living in the city or willing or able to travel to participate, the government's website which accepts financial contributions is probably the best route. http://www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz If you can't say or do anything good, I suggest you say nothing at all.

A rant if ever I saw one...

KLK is about the most level headed guy (i presume) on this site, he spoke only of the truths about the RWC moving to Akl.. It would seem to me that your argument stems from the emotion around the recent events.. We all empathise.

^^Have to agree there, I don't always agree with KLK but for the most part i wouldn't describe him as childish in what he posts. He is one of the most rational posters here. His post above is no exception in my opinion.

I am very sorry for what Christchurch people are going through down there, we all are i'm sure. We can't imagine how tough things are down there at the moment and all us want the city back on it's feet as soon as possible. Havana clubs post above shows that for most Cantabrians have bigger fish to fry than a few games of rugby.

The problem i have with this thread is that it seems many people are more pissed off about these games going to Auckland than they are about CHCH losing them.

The fact of the matter is that Auckland was the only option for these games because of capacity and accomodation issues. That's just the reality of the situation.

This thread has a wiff of petty parochialisim about it and it appears as if some people taking the chance to use CHCH's loss as a chance to put the boot into Auckland.

The problem i have with this thread is that it seems many people are more pissed off about these games going to Auckland than they are about CHCH losing them.

Yep. That's excatly my thoughts.

I'm not qualified to respond to HC's rant because in all honesty, I skipped ahead in the thread after I read the first line.

Judging by the comments following it though, clearly I am not missing much.

Back to the RWC, I read this morning that Australia expects their Italy match to head to North Harbour, and the Russia match to Nelson. However, the team would still like to have their base close to Chch. If that's not possible, Dunedin.

lol another auckland bashing thread

Dunedin apparently doesn't have enough accomodation for the games it's got according to the mayor, there's no way it could host a major game at this stage.

KLK, you sound like a child - and if you are a child I apologise for what I'm about to say.

Pot calling the kettle black! Christchurch can't hold those games now, it's not about compassion this or Auckland-centric that etc etc, it's just practical for Auckland to step up

I'm sorry that Auckland only has the infrastructure to host such games at short notice. There's no way that Rotovegas has the capacity to host such games. Come on. They'd struggle with a Bledisloe Cup game.

I don't see why Aucklanders should feel rotten about something that is beyond our control. There's only three cities in this country that can host it, and one is half destroyed and the other already has two QF's. Where else can it go?

Sorry if I missed this point earlier (I can't be bothered filtering out the vitriol) but why can't Wellington take on some of the burden in addition to Auckland? Is it accommodation issues?

Sorry if I missed this point earlier (I can't be bothered filtering out the vitriol) but why can't Wellington take on some of the burden in addition to Auckland? Is it accommodation issues?

Er....tHey're already hosting two games. The stadium is booked out on the two nights. :P

Er....tHey're already hosting two games. The stadium is booked out on the two nights. :P

That might be why then! :lol:

Guess that's my fault for not actually being bothered to look at the games schedule. Cheers for the (obvious) answer. ;)

In which case, we really don't have any options other than Auckland. Yes, I agree with Nick that the world cup is Auckland-centric, however, what other options do we have? We had a good distribution of games before the ChCh earthquake, however, events beyond our control have led us to persue a less favourable option. At least the IRB haven't taken the world cup away from us and have faith in our ability to host it.

EDIT: someone beat me to it :-)

So what happens when two teams that have to play each other want their game in the city they are based in? Australia, who wants to be based in Auckland, wants the game played there. The Italians, who are based in Nelson (aka Sicily) want their game to be played here, as Sicily is already hosting Italy vs Russia and Italy vs US matches.

What's to be done?

KLK responded to It seems to me like its been turned from NZ hosting the rugby world cup into Auckland hosting it by saying this has to be one of the most pathetic, selfish posts I have read in quite some time. He then goes on to suggest conspiracy theories.

I don't know KLK, and so the best I can say is I know the type. Same old chip-on-the shoulder type.

Again, Auckland is clearly the best choice for the games that will not be played in ChCh. As a result, to a large extent, we now how the Auckland World Cup - with all that goes with it as described above. As I said above, as NZers we care about that - and it is a shame for the event. But we (and by "we" I mean those of us in ChCh and many but apparently not all other NZers) have bigger issues to deal with now.

Actually, I responded to a whole posting by Nicholas O with that claim - not one sentence which you seemed to have focused on. My reading of it was disdain for Auckland benefiting from Christchurch's misfortune. How else is one to take a comment such as:

"I hope we can rectify it by making sure that next time New Zealand gets a major sporting event the rest of the country, especially Christchurch, can be compensated by having as much of it outside Auckland."

Now that's just my reading of it. However judging by some of the follow up comments to your later post, I wasn't the only one.

Finally, since you seem to know my "type" so well ("chips on the shoulder" was it?) you'll know I rarely lower myself to responding to name calling.

Slightest thing is said about Auckland - e.g. maybe the RWC is less attractive now, maybe much of the next event could be outside Auckland to Christchurch - and the wailing starts. Text-book chip on shoulder :)

I think I'm beginning to understand your priorities KLK, and even those of us who are pathetic, selfish or ignorant wouldn't dream of thinking you'd lower yourself to name-calling.

An irony of this according to a relative who worked on an AMI evaluation, is that AMI could have in all likelihood been ready for the RWC. Not that there's a was lot of stomach for it in ChCh any more. In any event the IRB clearly had other plans, to protect their revenue targets. They were pretty careful in their choice of words to deflect criticism - VBase couldn't give them a 100% guarantee, etc. A real shame for the RWC and I hear cancellations are coming in already.

I and my friends in the UK don't see it as an Auckland Rugby World Cup...

I am in the UK. And I am gutted that the new AMI Stadium won't be hosting any WC matches...
I have friends coming to NZ for the World Cup from the UK who will be following England.
They were thinking about cancelling the trip as they were not keen on being in ChCh due to aftershocks etc. I tried to convince them not to worry, but they couldn't be persuaded as they were taking youngish kids with them.
Now the ChCh matches have moved they are all enthusiastic again. They still want to see the South and North Island and will do so... but are happy to be watching England play outside the earthquake zone. I didn't have the heart to tell them that Wellington is overdue a big quake too...

So, I think you might find more English supporters are now coming now that the games have moved. I hope they make the most of the fantastic FSB Stadium in Dunedin.

That's great Distantpeak. It would be great if more people decided to come to NZ now because they no longer fear having to visit Christchurch, than those who decide not to attend games because RWC is so concentrated in one city. Of course, for people whose home is in ChCh it is all now rather irrelevant except that, as always, we naturally hope for the best for fellow New Zealanders.

Look, no one wanted this happen to Christchurch, and it really f**king sucks it did.
But Auckland is the right choice to have the two quarter finals, it is by far the biggest city, it has the biggest stadium, and more accommodation options to absorb the extra pressure. Wellington is booked, we can't hold any more. Dunedin has an awesome up and coming stadium, but it isn't big enough. It just makes sense that Auckland gets the quarters.

Dunedin should get more pool games though. Show off that lovely new stadium.

Slightest thing is said about Auckland - e.g. maybe the RWC is less attractive now, maybe much of the next event could be outside Auckland to Christchurch - and the wailing starts. Text-book chip on shoulder :)

I think I'm beginning to understand your priorities KLK, and even those of us who are pathetic, selfish or ignorant wouldn't dream of thinking you'd lower yourself to name-calling.

An irony of this according to a relative who worked on an AMI evaluation, is that AMI could have in all likelihood been ready for the RWC. Not that there's a was lot of stomach for it in ChCh any more. In any event the IRB clearly had other plans, to protect their revenue targets. They were pretty careful in their choice of words to deflect criticism - VBase couldn't give them a 100% guarantee, etc. A real shame for the RWC and I hear cancellations are coming in already.

Cancellations? Are you serious? Oveseas fans are not going to give a rats if the match is in CHCH or Auckland. Firstly nobody comes to NZ to see the cities they are just a place to base themselves around games, they will want to travel around the country and see the tourist sites they will still have plenty of opportunity to do this, secondly they are here to watch the rugby which they can still do, thirdly many will never have been to either place so they wont have a preference. Finally as pointed out by Distant Peak above the fact that the games have now been moved will make some overseas fans feel safer.

I understand you are upset about this but your posts are getting less rational each time.

Rather than speculate and pontificate, you could ask a few people (like I have today) why they've cancelled. :)

Remember the point of this thread: The RWC has become the Auckland World Cup. For me and from what I've heard it certainly seems like the AWC is less attractive than the Rugby World Cup. Did things have to change because of the earthquakes? - the IRB says yes, so the answer is yes and Auckland was the logical choice. It doesn't change the fact we now have an inferior WC.

I'm sure Distantpeak is absolutely correct that there will be some English (and probably other Kiwis) frightened of visiting ChCh who will now be able to see a game without that fear. I hope lots of extra Poms buy tickets. I hope many of the 100,000+ (just a guess) tickets held by Cantabrians won't be cancelled & returned for refunds, and that those that are cancelled get re-purchased by Aucklanders.

Again, it doesn't change the point of this thread - its now the Auckland World Cup, which to many is an inferior and less interesting WC.

Again, it doesn't change the point of this thread - its now the Auckland World Cup, which to many is an inferior and less interesting WC.

What's your problem

Rather than speculate and pontificate, you could ask a few people (like I have today) why they've cancelled. :)

Remember the point of this thread: The RWC has become the Auckland World Cup. For me and from what I've heard it certainly seems like the AWC is less attractive than the Rugby World Cup. Did things have to change because of the earthquakes? - the IRB says yes, so the answer is yes and Auckland was the logical choice. It doesn't change the fact we now have an inferior WC.

I'm sure Distantpeak is absolutely correct that there will be some English (and probably other Kiwis) frightened of visiting ChCh who will now be able to see a game without that fear. I hope lots of extra Poms buy tickets. I hope many of the 100,000+ (just a guess) tickets held by Cantabrians won't be cancelled & returned for refunds, and that those that are cancelled get re-purchased by Aucklanders.

Again, it doesn't change the point of this thread - its now the Auckland World Cup, which to many is an inferior and less interesting WC.

You are coming across as a right village idiot to be frank..

You can say all you like about the games coming to Akl, but what is the issue here.. is it that it is in auckland, or not in another centre? If it is the latter then you must realise that it would have been the IRB dictating terms as much as it is about the simple infrastructure.

Chch doesnt have the capacity to host an event for possibly the next 18months to 2 years.. The Hotels are stuffed, let alone peoples willingness to travel to a destination that has just had two major earthquakes in the space of 6 months.

The point of this thread is that there isnt a point to this thread really..

He then goes on to suggest conspiracy theories.

Ah, no. I was refuting the conspiracy theories posted by the person who set up this thread in the first place.

Ah, no. I was refuting the conspiracy theories posted by the person who set up this thread in the first place.

Nicholas O didn't suggest any conspiracy.

chip..

Nicholas O didn't suggest any conspiracy.

Well I certainly didn't.

Well I certainly didn't.

You didn't suggest that Nicholas O's opinion is a conspiracy theory and as a result he is pathetic and selfish?

:)

I mean I didn't pose any conspiracy theories of my own, as you accused me of:

HS 16/3: "He then goes on to suggest conspiracy theories."

You didn't suggest that Nicholas O's opinion is a conspiracy theory

I thought his (initial) suggestion (he clarified later) that there was an alterior motive in taking the games from Christchurch was a conspiracy theory. Don't think I was the only one looking at the other posts. I would say the same if you had something like the IRB moved the games because "they had to protect their revenue targets".

and as a result he is pathetic and selfish?

I quite clearly made refernce to the post itself, rather than the person. There is a big difference and you would do well to note that.

Besides, I'm sure Nicholas O is a thoroughly nice guy :)

Its perfectly clear you suggested that Nicholas O's opinion is a conspiracy theory. Rather that just re-state the obvious, I'll re-post the comment:

Suggesting some Auckland conspiracy as a result of a catastrophic event that has put a real spanner in the logistics of the tournament is pathetic and selfish.

Hence my comment that "He (i.e. you) goes on to suggest conspiracy theories"

I quite clearly made refernce to the post itself, rather than the person. There is a big difference and you would do well to note that.

Yeah, good point. Sorry about that. I realise you have the utmost high standards about name calling. I should have said in my post "try not to write like a prick".

My utmost apologies if I offended you with my previous wording.

I'm sure Nicholas O is a great guy too. Maybe he will check in again and confirm that. :) I don't know him either. Maybe, given he appears to have strong feelings on this subject and started this thread, he is from ChCh. If so I hope he is doing OK and has not lost too much or anyone close to him. Either way I highly doubt he is pathetic or selfish.

My utmost apologies if I offended you with my previous wording.

Its OK, you didn't offend me.

Either way I highly doubt he is pathetic or selfish.

Nice to see we agree on something :)

^^ I see the beginnings of a beautiful and loving relationship developing here... :lol: ;)

Sydney, Marky...... get yah wedding outfits ready .... looks like we might be bridesmaids after all ...:lol:

Realistically if the 1/4 finals didn't go to Auckland, Australia would have been the only other option due to capacity issues.

Remember the point of this thread: The RWC has become the Auckland World Cup. For me and from what I've heard it certainly seems like the AWC is less attractive than the Rugby World Cup. Did things have to change because of the earthquakes? - the IRB says yes, so the answer is yes and Auckland was the logical choice. It doesn't change the fact we now have an inferior WC.

Again, it doesn't change the point of this thread - its now the Auckland World Cup, which to many is an inferior and less interesting WC.

That's a completely daft statement, most of the people watching the world cup will be watching the games on TV not going to the games, whilst you might look at the stadium I and the vast majority of fans don't, I couldn't care less where the game was being played so long as the broadcast is high quality.