World Cup roadshow 'a success', says Hobbs

The New Zealand Rugby Union's three-week World Cup roadshow was a success, according to chairman Jock Hobbs, but he's none the wiser about who will host the 2011 tournament.

Hobbs arrived in Wellington from Argentina yesterday, ending a whirlwind 20-day world tour with chief executive Chris Moller in which their bid presentation was unveiled 13 times in 11 countries.

Hobbs' weariness was belied by an upbeat assessment of New Zealand's chances against rival bidders South Africa and Japan when International Rugby Board delegates vote for the tournament hosts in Dublin on November 17.

"I don't know how the votes are going to fall," Hobbs said. "I just know that we've done everything we possibly can and will continue to do everything that we possibly can right up to the bell.

"I believe that we are in with a real chance, I don't think we're making up the numbers. But that's about as far as I can take that."

Hobbs was undeterred by a recent report in British newspaper The Times, which claimed a confidential IRB report concluded South Africa had the strongest bid. The report apparently said New Zealand was merely a "safe" option to host the tournament.

Hobbs was aware of the story but didn't want to discuss it, saying he was bound by a confidentiality agreement.

He saw nothing to suggest New Zealand was on the outer during the presentations in Oceania, Europe, and North and South America, saying they were "universally well received".

"In terms of votes, I'm in no better position than when we left. It's fraught with difficulties trying to make predictions. I believe, though, that we are better for having made the tour, I think they very much appreciated us going to their place to make the presentations."

Each presentation was tailored to the union they were addressing.

Hobbs revealed some details of the presentation but not the elements that fell under IRB confidentiality restrictions.

The presentation included recorded messages from Prime Minister Helen Clark and NZRFU patron Wilson Whineray, a former All Blacks captain.

Most questions put to Hobbs and Moller by national unions related to the timing of the tournament, New Zealand's stadia size and infrastructure and whether there would be enough accommodation during the knockout rounds.

Hobbs believed those concerns were satisfactorily addressed and hoped six commitments at the heart of the New Zealand presentation would sway votes.

* Players would appreciate the rugby environment and the quality, accessible facilities here.

* For visiting supporters it would be "A 100 per cent pure rugby experience at an affordable cost."

* For the broadcasting audience, coverage would be absorbing and visiting media would be well catered for.

* A partnership with the New Zealand Government would make the tournament a commercial success.

* New Zealand has a proven record of hosting top rugby events.

* Hosting the tournament would validate rugby as New Zealand's national sport, having the spinoff that another generation of New Zealand players and coaches could spread their passion and knowledge around the world, as was currently the case.

Hobbs, who estimated he had clocked up 90 hours of travel in the last three weeks, was to leave for Dublin on Wednesday next week after finalising details of the NZRFU's November 17 presentation.

Moller had flown to Cardiff and will remain in Europe.

They will be two of a five-strong New Zealand delegation in Dublin, with the identity of the other three still to be determined.

They should be revealed by the end of this week.

- NZPA