A crowd of 60,000 gathered at Eden Park in Auckland to celebrate the opening of the Rugby World Cup . The event was screened live to an estimated one billion television viewers around the world and was followed by a match between New Zealand and Tonga.
The Opening Ceremony of the Rugby World Cup
The official opening of the Rugby World Cup commenced at 7:30 p.m. New Zealand time.
A few hours before the ceremony, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key sent an email to his followers entitled, ‘Go the All Blacks’. In it he affirmed his support for New Zealand’s national team. ‘Tonight I'll be at Eden Park for the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony and to watch the All Blacks play Tonga. Like millions of other Kiwis, I'm backing Richie and the team all the way to bring home the Webb Ellis Cup.’
The ceremony was an extravaganza with over 1000 people involved. A video projection created an amazing backdrop, approximately 70 metres by 100 metres. This turned the field into mountains, rivers, thermal lakes and took spectators through the beautiful terrain of New Zealand.
A dance followed that incorporated the boats and ships that brought the Maoris and early settlers to New Zealand. Spectators were then treated to a taste of Maori culture and dancing that included the Haka.
Canterbury and Christchurch Acknowledged in Opening Ceremony
Part of the opening ceremony centred around school boy Ethan Bai who traversed the field, avoiding dozens of rugby players. Ethan was dressed in the Canterbury colours of black and red stripes in acknowledgement of the devastating earthquakes that have shaken Christchurch and surrounds over the last year. Christchurch is unable to host any matches due to extensive damage to the AMI Stadium.
This section ended with Ethan being lifted 20 metres into the air before joining Jonah Lomu in front of a giant 15 metre replica of the Webb Ellis Cup.
Massive Firework Display Kicks off Rugby World Cup
The opening ceremony culminated with a spectacular firework display that was set off from the Sky Tower, four other buildings in Auckland CBD and four barges in Auckland Harbour. This lasted for 12 minutes and burned up three and half of tonnes of fireworks.
The 9th September launch of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand was a spectacular start to six weeks of top class sport and entertainment and the world is poised to watch more. The Opening ceremony can be watched on demand on TV One in New Zealand.
Debbie Roome - Debbie Roome is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist and novelist with over 25 years experience.
