9 Sep 2011

Backyard celebrations for opening night

8:55 am on 9 September 2011

Street parties, pot-luck dinners and games on the big screen at rugby clubs will all kick into action throughout the country for the New Zealand - Tonga match on Friday night.

At the East Tamaki tennis club, Tongan people will be gathering to watch the game on a big screen.

Kalolo Akoten says many people will not be able to afford to attend the matches, so they are celebrating with street parties or gatherings in churches.