Start of the 2011 Rugby World Cup

Submitted by Foreign Students on Fri 09/09/11

The biggest event in the rugby calendar started today in New Zealand, with the opening ceremony and match of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The event pits the best international rugby teams against each other every four years.

New Zealand's Hopes

Unlike the football world cup, the rugby version is relatively new, this being only the seventh time it has been held. The first was also held in New Zealand in 1987, and was won by the hosts- a feat the ‘All Blacks' (the New Zealand team's nickname) have failed to repeat yet. However, they are hoping that this could be their year, as they have started the tournament as strong favourites, and are currently cruising to victory in their first match, against Tonga.

Even if the New Zealand team disappoints, the tournament will still be a huge occasion for the country. With 95,000 overseas visitors expected to turn up in the next seven weeks, it is the largest sporting event ever held in New Zealand.

The 'Home Nations'

In terms of British teams (the 'Home Nations'), England, Scotland and Wales, as well as Ireland, are all in the tournament. England start as one of the favourites to win it, after exceeding expectation at the last two World Cups, winning it in 2003 and then coming as runners up in last time out in 2007. The other ‘Home Nations' are also all expected to at least come close to qualifying for the knock out stages.

However, with the 11-hour time difference, British fans have some early mornings (or late nights) to look forward to over the next month. In the UK, the games kick off at a variety of different times, ranging from 2am to 9.30am and everything in between- the kind of times that will sort the dedicated fan from the casual observer.

Scotland start their campaign against Romania at 2am tonight, followed by England playing Argentina at 9.30am tomorrow morning.

Let us know who you will be supporting in our special Rugby World Cup discussion.