NZ on track for World Cup, says Hobbs | Canterbury Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Canterbury

On a wet day at an event which included dropped passes, a leaky roof and models dressed as trees, Rugby World Cup organisers said New Zealand was on track to make next year's tournament fly.

Dignitaries from throughout New Zealand, as well as a few International Rugby Board (IRB) bigwigs, attended the new South Stand of Eden Park yesterday to mark being one year from the start of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, probably the biggest sporting event to be held in New Zealand.

They were treated to reassurances about New Zealand's readiness to hold the tournament from Jock Hobbs, the man who led New Zealand's bid to win the tournament and who is now taking time off full-time tournament organisation as he battles leukaemia.

"With one year to go we can assure you that we are ready,'' Hobbs said.

"Look around us and you'll see a shining example of the progress that's been made. Eden Park's redevelopment is superb. Soon it will be open for business and that is a great achievement.''

The stadium was looking in good shape, the only visible problem being a leak in the roof in the very room that Hobbs and other dignitaries made their speeches. No doubt that will be fixed by October 10, when the stadium is officially opened with a charity public open day.

Much has been made of the ``stadium of four million'' concept. Hobbs said the tournament would be a uniquely New Zealand event, and that a nation known for its deep passion for rugby would welcome foreign supporters of the game like no other.

Evidence of the passion for the sport came as several hundred high school rugby players stood on the Eden Park turf trying to break the world record for passes of a rugby ball of 262.

It didn't prove smooth sailing, as twice the ball was dropped, once when the total had reached 200. The ceremony inside the stand had got under way by the time the record was passed at the third attempt, eventually ending at 270.

Also launched at Eden Park was the Real New Zealand Festival, a nationwide series of events around the World Cup aimed at highlighting the country's business, hospitality and tourism industries.

Events happening in relation to the tournament include several food and wine events and two iconic clothing events, New Zealand Fashion Week and the World of Wearable Arts Festival.

The latter was well represented at the function by models in two costumes, one of whom was dressed to look like the native tree fern, the punga.

Former All Blacks coach John Hart, who is on the New Zealand 2011 committee which is helping organise events around the tournament such as the festival, said the country was getting right behind the tournament.

"The tournament's not just about the rugby, it really is about the opportunity to launch this festival, the opportunity for New Zealand to put its foot on the map and we wouldn't have many chances at that,'' he said.

"I'm staggered at what's going on around the country, and it'll only gain momentum.''

For Hobbs, the interest generated overseas was as good a guide as any as to how hopeful he is of a strong tournament.

"A gentleman from Ghana rang the office the other day wanting to know when the volunteer interviews were going to take place. That's in Ghana,'' he said.

"We're touching every part and place in the globe, and these connections, this profile we gain from the tournament all do matter if we are to make the most of this tremendous opportunity.''