Top Stories for Friday 9 September 2011

It's finally here - the Rugby World Cup starts today;RWC chief executive says stadium of 4 million is ready;Hive of activity at Eden Park as final preparations made;Defending champions will face Wales in weekend clash;Fans starting to crowd into Dunedin for RWC game;Tongan community ready for clash against Blacks;Aucklanders hold backyard celebrations as RWC opens;Thousands of journalists will relay RWC to rest of world;Auckland RWC organisers on-track for tonight;Burdett killer applies for Royal Prerogative of Mercy;EU president insists euro zone will survive.