Editorial: Hooray for live World Cup rugby

I'm a sporadic rugby fan.

Last weekend's All Blacks game was the first match I've watched in quite some time. It's the first one I've gone out of my way to watch in even longer.

The last time I really got into rugby was during the 2011 World Cup when it was in New Zealand.

I always forget how much I enjoy watching the game, especially when we take on Australia.

The excitement around the upcoming Rugby World Cup doesn't compare to the build-up before the tournament was held in New Zealand.

I'm starting to get excited about it now though.

There's something about the Rugby World Cup that captures the attention of Kiwis - even those who don't usually follow the game.

I was living in Auckland during the last World Cup and the whole city was taken over by rugby madness. Bars were packed during every game, crowds flocked to the waterfront to watch on the big screens.

After the final the city was so packed with people pedestrians took over Queen St.

The times the games are being played this time are far from ideal but there will still undoubtedly be a huge number of Kiwis making the effort to watch.

I'm glad to see the Government trying to do something to allow Kiwis around the country to watch the matches and get behind our team. It is good to see the Act party taking the initiative to try to push through changes to allow bars to open for the early-morning games and equally as pleasing to see our Prime Minister's willingness to make sure it goes through.

The atmosphere of watching a game live in a bar with a whole lot of other rugby fans is part of the whole World Cup experience.

It also allows those who do not have Sky to be able to watch the pool matches live.

There is the host responsibility issue and keeping punters safe, but surely people are sensible enough to know their limits.

There will always be some who take it too far, but I'd like to believe most people would stick mainly to coffees and soft drinks if they have to head to work straight after the match.

Yes, there is some risk but why should the few irresponsible ones spoil it for us all.

I encourage our politicians to support the bill coming before them and make this World Cup one to be remembered.