1 Oct 2011

Big weekend for rugby celebrations

10:47 pm on 1 October 2011

Thousands flocked to Auckland's waterfront for a double dose of rugby celebrations.

Six and a half thousand people had already entered Queens Wharf prior to the start of the pool A match in Wellington, where Tonga beat France, to watch it on the big screen.

A Rugby World Cup fanzone spokesperson said those fans were joined by Scottish tourists, many who have donned kilts, for the Scotland versus England match at Eden Park.

She says organisers were prepared to open neighbouring Captain Cook Wharf, once Queens Wharf, neared capacity at 12,000 people.

The stand-by Captain Cook Wharf was used for the first time on Saturday 25 September.

Police say there have been no issues at either Eden Park or the Waterfront.

Big weekend for Wellington

The capital is hosting its biggest weekend of the Rugby World Cup so far.

Fans are in Wellington for both Saturday's Tonga-France clash and the All Blacks' Pool A match against Canada on Sunday.

As the top qualifier in Pool A, the All Blacks have already booked their place in the quarter finals.

Tonga beat France 19-14, but despite that failed to secure a position in the quarter finals.

Police say crowds were well behaved and there was only one arrest and five evictions from the Wellington Regional Stadium, mainly for alcohol and disorder.

North Shore matches successful

Rugby World Cup organisers say hosting four matches at Auckland's North Harbour Stadium has proven successful.

The stadium, on Auckland's North Shore, held its final match for the tournament on Friday, attracting a capacity crowd to see South Africa beat Samoa 13-5 in their Pool D match.

Rugby World Cup Auckland event chair, Rachael Dacy, says 38% of those at the game arrived via public transport - a record for the tournament so far.