Michael Jones - the first try-scorer of the first Rugby World Cup - inspired volunteers with a pep talk yesterday as the clock ticks down to the opening ceremony of New Zealand's biggest international event.
Finishing touches are being put on Eden Park, cleaning out all the old advertising and branding and testing the facilities. On Wednesday, two busloads of senior citizens were driven from SkyCity hotel to Eden Park, posing as IRB dignitaries, for an opening ceremony rehearsal.
The practice run with the 70 Probus club members was designed to simulate the movement of Government and IRB guests, to ensure organisers "get it right on the night", said Nigel Cass, general manager of tournament services for Rugby New Zealand 2011.
Organisers watched how the "VIPs" flowed through hospitality lounges to their seats, and whether they used the right lifts.
Cass said: "You can't leave anything to chance when you're dealing with an event this large and complex."
