RWC 2011: All Blacks to play day game, kick-off times revealed

Eden Park will host the Rugby World Cup Opening Ceremony an hour before the opening game on September 9. Photo / Richard Robinson

Fans may have to up their coffee intake during next year's Rugby World Cup after late kick-off times were officially confirmed today.

The opening match between the All Blacks and Tonga will start at 8.30pm while the semifinals and final will start half an hour later.

Rugby World Cup 2011 announced the kick-off times today which features ten afternoon matches, including the All Blacks' final pool match against Canada in Wellington which will start at 3.30pm.

The later kick-off times for the semifinals and final are no surprise after they were announced early last year.

"We have achieved a good balance." said Martin Snedden, CEO for Tournament Organisers Rugby New Zealand 2011.

"If New Zealand is to make the most of the platform RWC 2011 gives us to showcase our country to the world, then we need to ensure we maximise the global television audience for key matches.

"What has now been agreed with event-owner Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL) will help all hosting regions to promote themselves to the world and help fans, both domestic and international, to get on with planning their RWC 2011 experience with the start of the Tournament now less than a year away.

"The mix of match times should really contribute to the whole festival atmosphere of the Tournament. Ten of the 48 matches will be played in the afternoon including the New Zealand v Canada pool match. A further 12 matches will begin by 6pm and another seven at 7.30pm."

Eden Park, the scene of the venue for the inaugural RWC Final in 1987, will host the Opening Ceremony an hour before the opening game on September 9.

"Today's announcement represents another significant milestone for Tournament planning and preparation," said RWCL Tournament Director Kit McConnell.

"With applications for individual match tickets having opened, this is a very exciting time for New Zealanders and the global Rugby family alike.

"RWC 2011 will be a special Tournament that global Rugby can be proud of. Those who go to New Zealand will see an irresistible mix of matches, live sites, festival activities and the best of Kiwi hospitality. We are all counting down the days to Rugby's showcase event."

- NZHERALD ONLINE