Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) today announced kick-off times.
I’m not sure how it is constantly marketed as the World’s 3rd largest sporting event, but kick off times have only just been announced.
CEO for Tournament Organisers Rugby New Zealand 2011, Martin Snedden said “We have achieved a good balance . If New Zealand is to make the most of the platform RWC 2011 gives us to showcase our country to the world, then we need to ensure we maximise the global television audience for key matches”
This means that kick off times are determined by global television audiences rather than what will ensure the 2011 Rugby World Cup produces the most spectacular rugby.
Ten of the 48 matches will be played in the afternoon including the New Zealand v Canada pool match.
A further 12 matches will begin by 6pm and another seven at 7.30pm.
Eden Park, will host the Opening Ceremony on Friday, September 9 starting at 7.30pm and followed by the opening match between the All Blacks and Tonga at 8.30pm.
13 matches will start at 8.30pm and the semi-finals and final won’t start until 9.00pm!
Surely that is crazy? The dew in September and October will still be a factor in New Zealand, and surely crowds and the television want to see the best conditions for rugby which have to be during daylights hours?
To be dicated by the audience numbers in the northern hemisphere once again highlights how rugby is dictated to by the power of the dollar, and not what is best for the game!
Full list of Kick-off times
