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Furious customers have lashed out at Spark Sport, with a large number of subscribers suffering streaming issues before and during the All Blacks' quarter-final clash with Ireland.
While the telco-turned-sport streamer insists they have had "no issues with the Spark Sport streaming platform", their Facebook page has been flooded with complaints - including from some customers begging the company to move the game live to TVNZ.
One fan claims Spark has "ruined the most Kiwi thing, watching an All Blacks game, LIVE, as a nation".
Others claim to have suffered buffering issues as well as a drop of quality in picture.
Spark Sport just ruined the most Kiwi thing. Watching an All Black game, LIVE, as a Nation.
#Spaaaarrkkoff
A handful also complained they missed the haka and kickofff due to streaming issues.
During the England quarter-final match, Spark Sport spokesperson Althea Lovell told the Herald there had been "no issues with the Spark Sport streaming platform".
"There are some customers who are clearly having problems tonight relating to their in-home connectivity, tech or devices. We are working hard to help these customers with their individual issues," Lovell said.
"The audience for the England vs Australia quarter-final has already reached a new record for Spark Sport and while this is not creating any capacity issues with the service, we are seeing a corresponding increase in customers with individual issues."
Missed the Haka, missed the kick off, unforgivable. Thank heavens that the Semi and Final will be free to air and we won't have to rely on Spark (Lack of) Sport. What a waste of money
Spark Sport customers have again taken to social media to complain about having technical difficulties streaming a Rugby World Cup match.
While the telco-turned-sports streamer has insisted there have been no reports of any "buffering issues", several customers were left fuming over issues ranging from buffering and audio timing, to freezing and apps playing up during the first of the weekend's four quarter-finals between England and Australia.
Several customers complained on Spark Sport's official Facebook page even before the kickoff at 8.15pm in Oita.
At least one pub owner complained about having to deal with customers upset over "useless" streaming.
Issues again for the Quarter Finals! This better not happen for the All Blacks! Your help chats is zero help! When will you be playing on TV so we can enjoy the game
Spark Sport spokesperson Althea Lovell told the Herald there had been "no issues with the Spark Sport streaming platform".
"There are some customers who are clearly having problems tonight relating to their in-home connectivity, tech or devices. We are working hard to help these customers with their individual issues," Lovell said.
"The audience for the England vs Australia quarter-final has already reached a new record for Spark Sport and while this is not creating any capacity issues with the service, we are seeing a corresponding increase in customers with individual issues."
Another user called it a "bloody joke" while several pleaded with Spark Sport to switch to free-to-air and to give them full refunds.
Some customers had problems with their stream. Photo / Facebook
"Wish we'd seen it. Sounds amazing," said Anna Godsalve on the Spark Sport Facebook page under a post showing one of England's first half tries.
"Unfortunately the picture froze for almost 10 mins. Score jumped from 5-3 to 14-6 without us seeing it," she added.
"Spark you can give me a full refund I gave you benefit of the doubt but you've stuffed this up big time can't even watch the English Aussie game which I've been looking forward to all day," said Angela Louise on the same post.
"Fibre, Ethernet, reset after reset, tried 2 iPads and iPhones missed 20 mins... now we are sitting in front of a 65 inch watching intermittent bits between all, come on Spark let us watch our beloved game live on uninterrupted tv," said Ariana Te Moabna-Lyttle.
"And it's gone again. What are you going to do about this terrible coverage spark sport?" said Adhamh O'Fiach.
A Spark Sport employee replied and said "Hey Adhamh, sorry to hear that - no issues on our end. Can you please get in touch with our support team."
"Perfect image and quality coverage thanks again Spark," said Jacqui Wilson.
"Awesome streaming not a problem," added Lexy Reid.
"Looks absolutely perfect here, not one issue," Jason Williams said.
Last month, Spark Sport offered full and partial refunds to customers after the streaming of the All Blacks' World Cup opener against South Africa experienced severe disruptions.
The match was moved to TVNZ channel Duke at half-time on September 21 after the serice cut out.
