Rugby
Boks set up Wellington base
2009-12-18 11:15
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Based in Wellington (File)
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Johannesburg - The Springboks will base themselves for a large part of their defence of their World Cup crown in New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington, it was confirmed on Friday.
John Smit’s side will spend 17 nights in Wellington to kick off their defence of their title they won in France in 2007, and will spend most of the first half of their campaign in New Zealand’s North Island, with stays also in Auckland’s North Shore as well as nine nights in Taupo – which is situated in the middle of the North Island.
The Boks, who have a tough pool for the World Cup with games against Wales, Samoa, Fiji and Namibia, start their campaign on September 1, 2011 in Wellington where they will spend 11 days before their World Cup opening game against Wales in Wellington on Sunday, September 11. A day earlier Fiji and Namibia will play the first Pool D game at Rotorua.
South Africa then play Fiji on September 17 in Wellington before they move bases the next day and head for Taupo for three days where they will “base” themselves for the next two weeks. The Boks leave the small town for North Shore for their game with Namibia on September 22 before returning for six more days.
They then head back to Auckland’s North Shore for their clash with Samoa on September 30.
The Boks will then be heading back to Wellington for the quarter-finals and if they progress further, the semi-finals and final will be held in Auckland’s revamped Eden Park.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s organising committee announced on Friday that they will use 23 centres for the World Cup to ensure that smaller communities also get a taste of the action.
“We as a nation are passionate about Rugby so it’s fantastic that we can bring RWC 2011 to the backyards of so much of New Zealand,” said Martin Snedden, CEO of the 2011 RWC organising committee.
“Today’s announcement is particularly exciting for many smaller centres which applied to host teams outside the 13 match venues already named.”
Twenty-three centres – 16 in the North Island and seven in the South Island – will host at least one of the 20 participating teams.
“We have said all along that we wanted as many communities as reasonably possible to get a first hand taste of this exciting Tournament. Today’s announcement is a really important component in bringing to life New Zealand’s Stadium of Four Million," added Snedden.
“It’s a great opportunity for everyone. Teams will be able to experience more of New Zealand’s rich culture and spectacular scenery and these hosting communities will be able to showcase themselves, their hospitality and attractions to the world.
“Today we are also announcing that teams will use a total of 47 training grounds across the country for the duration of RWC 2011. This mixture of Rugby club, school and public training facilities will help many communities get even closer to Rugby’s showpiece tournament as well as giving teams an outstanding platform for their preparations.
“What is really fantastic is that teams and fans can experience our passion for the Game in Rugby’s grassroots where our traditions are strongest.
“For example, Tonga and Samoa will train at one of the oldest clubs in the country, the Ponsonby Rugby Club. Ponsonby boasts an honours board stacked with All Blacks such as Bryan Williams, Andy Haden, Joe Stanley and Carlos Spencer as well as first class facilities at its Western Springs ground.
“Teams will also train at several schools which have a proud tradition of Rugby such as Southland Boy’s High, Christ’s College, New Plymouth Boy’s High and Rotorua Boy’s High.
“I am confident that all of the hosting communities will take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and give teams and fans a friendly welcome, great service and a Kiwi experience they will treasure forever,” concluded Snedden.