IT WAS Stellar. Hundreds of people packed into a Wanganui bar, there for the feed and five flat screens watching the scintillating final to the Rugby World Cup.
The Victoria Ave Bar had expected 150 people for a special opening for the final between the All Blacks and the Wallabies but at least twice that many crowded into the three rooms.
As Stellar bar staff served scrambled eggs and coffee and beer, patrons watched the All Blacks win 34-17, collectively cheering on the mastery of Dan Carter's decisive drop goal and biting their nails in the tense 10 minutes when Ben Smith was in the bin.
There were even some Aussie supporters in the crowd, disguised as locals and buoyed by Tevita Kuridrani's try until Carter dismantled their hopes.
And to sum up an Anzac Rugby World Cup final, who better than former South African Andre Gobler, who has lived here for 16 years.