However, they might have woken a bit worse for wear this morning after opting to spend the night in a campervan instead of staying with relatives.
The group, which included three members of the same extended family, were excited about both games this weekend and said they wanted to watch a Wales-All Blacks final.
The mood in the bars within the fan zone was upbeat as punters sat happily drinking and people-watching. A group of Japanese "sumo wrestlers" caught everyone's eye. They joked that they were usually the shy and retiring types - despite their get-ups.
The six Australians had dressed up to support Japan, adopting the reverse motto of New Zealanders to support any team playing the All Blacks - but one was already deflating as the fan in his suit gave in.
His friend Adam Wilson said they were only in town for the game and wished they were staying longer.
"The people have been awesome. There's a great atmosphere."
In Victoria St the Broomfield family of Morrinsville were walking to the stadium decked out in black and white.
Siblings Tegan, 10 and Jae, 8, sported superbly painted faces courtesy of mum Vicky.
The most exciting thing about the night would be the first try, according to Tegan.
Ardent All Black supporters, the family had tickets to all the Hamilton pool games and the quarters and semi-finals thanks to dad Rob.
Closer to the stadium Oliver Chong Nee was on his way home from work at Waikato Museum dressed in traditional Japanese attire. Sporting a kimono, parasol and Japanese bandanna, Mr Chong Nee was supporting Japan because he had lived in Tokyo teaching English and he knew it would be a tough game for the team.
How Hamilton rated
Stadium
(stands)
Comment: Though cold and held together by the common prayer that it wouldn't rain, the stands were cosy and vibrant, especially on grassy embankments. Temporary seating rising up from one end of the field added a sense of scale to the small stadium and the crowd was full of lively, happy customers - many of them dressed up in creative and extravagant ways.
Rating: 8/10
Stadium
(amenities)
Comment: Greasy food, long lines for coffee, and a seemingly infinite capacity to supply beer - Waikato Stadium had the standard rugby fare, but all of it above average. All Blacks merchandise seemed to be selling particularly well, while the staff and security were approachable and friendly. Crowds took photos of each other's costumes on the concourses and managed to communicate, even without speaking each other's languages.
Rating: 8/10
Fan zone
Comment: The fan zone started slowly, with only about 50 people turning up after its opening. But there were live acts in addition to the big screens for the rugby, the police presence was highly visible and the security and organisation appeared robust. The whole area felt safe and well maintained.
Rating: 6/10
Downtown
Comment: Bars around town pumped and were packed long before kick-off. A bar that has taken to calling itself the unofficial "Welsh embassy" was in especially high spirits. People walked through town to the game dressed up, jovial and adding great atmosphere to the city. Visitors at the bars praised the 'Tron as having a lot of character - what could be a greater achievement?
Rating: 9/10
Roads
(traffic and parking)
Comment: Small black signs with silver ferns and a few flags directed visitors toward the World Cup - but the most apparent decorations were hundreds of orange road cones guiding and confusing motorists. But traffic flowed well. Parking was available with some tickets while other motorists hunted around neighbouring streets, where $10 parks offered by Plunket quickly filled up. Extra buses were provided and police reported no major traffic issues.
Rating: 7/10
