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World Cup
South Africa
Boks to be based in Wellington
Friday, December 18
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The defending champion Springboks will be based in Wellington and the north shore for the group stages of the 2011 World Cup, it was confirmed on Friday.
The Boks will spend 17 nights in Wellington when the competition kicks off with stays in Auckland’s North Shore as well as nine nights in Taupo.
New Zealand’s organising committee revealed that they will use 23 centres for the World Cup to ensure that smaller communities also benefit from the spectacle.
“We as a nation are passionate about Rugby so it’s fantastic that we can bring RWC 2011 to the backyards of so much of New Zealand,” said Martin Snedden, CEO of the 2011 RWC organising committee.
“Today’s announcement is particularly exciting for many smaller centres which applied to host teams outside the 13 match venues already named.
“We have said all along that we wanted as many communities as reasonably possible to get a first hand taste of this exciting Tournament. Today’s announcement is a really important component in bringing to life New Zealand’s Stadium of Four Million," added Snedden.
“It’s a great opportunity for everyone. Teams will be able to experience more of New Zealand’s rich culture and spectacular scenery and these hosting communities will be able to showcase themselves, their hospitality and attractions to the world.
“Today we are also announcing that teams will use a total of 47 training grounds across the country for the duration of RWC 2011. This mixture of Rugby club, school and public training facilities will help many communities get even closer to Rugby’s showpiece tournament as well as giving teams an outstanding platform for their preparations.
“What is really fantastic is that teams and fans can experience our passion for the Game in Rugby’s grassroots where our traditions are strongest.
“For example, Tonga and Samoa will train at one of the oldest clubs in the country, the Ponsonby Rugby Club. Ponsonby boasts an honours board stacked with All Blacks such as Bryan Williams, Andy Haden, Joe Stanley and Carlos Spencer as well as first class facilities at its Western Springs ground.
“Teams will also train at several schools which have a proud tradition of Rugby such as Southland Boy’s High, Christ’s College, New Plymouth Boy’s High and Rotorua Boy’s High.
“I am confident that all of the hosting communities will take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and give teams and fans a friendly welcome, great service and a Kiwi experience they will treasure forever,” concluded Snedden.
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Oh well the kiwis fear the Bokke when they play infront of the North Shore crowd (largest pop of Saffas in NZ)