Rugby World Cup game plan urged

Rugby World Cup organisers are being called upon to deliver a plan for the 2011 tournament after the minister in charge, Trevor Mallard, sprung the surprise of an alternative stadium on the Auckland waterfront.

Ten months after the hosting rights were won for the biggest global sporting event after the Olympics and soccer's cup, there is no clear plan or funding package for a $320 million upgrade of Eden Park or a $350 million new stadium on the waterfront.

Lawyer and Manukau mayoral candidate Len Brown said the body set up to manage the tournament, Rugby New Zealand 2011, needed to set out its vision quickly and plan for this "great event".

"It is essential we establish an Auckland Rugby World Cup committee. Now," said Mr Brown.

When Sydney won the 2000 Olympics, the federal and state authorities set up the Sydney organising committee with political, sporting and business leaders who worked with a single purpose to deliver an outstanding event.

"We in Auckland can deliver the same type of synergy and focus that Sydney brought to bear. Because we will host a semifinal and the final, Auckland will be the global showcase. It is essential we do all in our country proud," said Mr Brown.

There is strong public backing for a purpose-built stadium on the waterfront after Mr Mallard's announcement on Tuesday that the Government was evaluating Bledisloe Wharf in addition to the proposed $320 million upgrade of Eden Park.

However, serious practical and economic hurdles with the Bledisloe option are likely to keep the centrepiece of the tournament at Eden Park. And whatever option the Cabinet decides next month, there is no funding package in place. Aucklanders have made it clear they are not prepared to pay for Eden Park and Mr Mallard gave no hints on funding for a waterfront stadium.

Rugby union chairman Jock Hobbs, who also chairs Rugby New Zealand 2011, is in Canada presenting a masterplan for hosting the cup, including detailed planning and budgetary information, to the International Rugby Board. He could not be reached for comment.

Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett said a lot of work was going on behind the scenes to prepare for the cup and he supported a local organising committee but a plan was needed soon.

"The big issue is all the dots haven't been connected yet. They haven't come out and said 'this is what it looks like' and 'this is who is doing what'.," he said.

Mr Barnett and Committee for Auckland chairman Sir Ron Carter, who are both involved with the Metro project - designed to come up with a plan to turn Auckland into a worldclass city - said the rugby cup was an important component of that.

Sir Ron, also a Rugby NZ 2011 member, said the work on the Metro and rugby projects were "not dovetailed yet" but on a complementary path.