Rugby World Cup: We love it and we hate it - survey

Photo / Richard Robinson

The Rugby World Cup is just over a month away and although many New Zealanders are looking forward to it, many others are dreading it.

A survey dubbed "Rugby World Cup Anticipation" found that out of 850 Kiwis quizzed, 35 per cent were not looking forward to the tournament.

A total of 37 per cent said they were looking forward to it, while 29 per cent had neutral feelings towards the tournament.

The survey, conducted by UMR Research between June and July, also showed that 41 per cent of people felt the World Cup would be disruptive and 14 per cent of the group did not believe developments for the tournament would be ready on time.

Since games were moved away from Christchurch after the city's earthquakes, interest in Canterbury slumped, and 16 per cent of Cantabrians said they looking forward to the World Cup.

But other parts of the South Island were very much looking forward to the tournament, with an overall rating of 48 per cent.

Up to 38 per cent of Aucklanders and 40 per cent of Wellingtonians were looking forward to it.

Rugby World Cup spokesman Mike Jaspers said despite the survey's results, tickets sales and other events being held in the lead-up to the tournament indicated people were becoming more and more excited.

Mr Jaspers said it would be better to conduct another survey in the next month, to give a better indication of how people were feeling.

"Street banners are going up about 10 days before the tournament and most of the teams will start coming by the end of August, early September, so that will build up excitement," he said.

Meanwhile the official Rugby World Cup 2011 online shop reports sales soaring, locally and overseas.

Customer services rep Sally Cooper said sales for all countries' jerseys - particularly the new All Black jersey - and other products, including ties, pins and dog collars were up.