Legend Lomu highlights Cup spectacular
All Blacks rugby legend Jonah Lomu and a giant flying ball were the
highlights Friday as the World Cup opened in a blaze of colour and
excitement in New Zealand's biggest city.
Lomu and a plethora of other rugby greats headlined the festivities
before International Rugby Board (IRB) chairman Bernard Lapasset opened
the seventh World Cup, triggering a spectacular fireworks display in
Auckland's harbour.
"Over the course of this event New Zealand will play host to around
about 100,000 visitors from overseas," said New Zealand Prime Minister
John Key.
"We welcome you all to New Zealand and hope you enjoy the very best
of what we have to offer... Most of all have a good time, enjoy the
rugby and go the mighty All Blacks!"
Hosts New Zealand and Pacific rivals Tonga were due to play the
opening game in front of a packed house at Auckland's Eden Park Stadium,
the first of 48 games culminating in a final at the same venue on
October 23.
Smiling and excited spectators clad in New Zealand black or the red
of Tonga started gathering two hours before the ceremony at the
refurbished, 60,000-seat stadium in an inner suburb of the city of 1.3
million people.
Several Pacific leaders were among the dignitaries as fans clutching
flags and glowing lights enjoyed the 25-minute opening spectacular.
The ceremony, featuring 1,000 volunteers and video images beamed on
to the pitch, drew heavily on New Zealand's pre-colonialist Maori
heritage as it traced the country's mythical ancient origins and strong
rugby tradition.
A rookie player depicted by schoolboy Ethan Bai flew 20 metres (65
feet) into the air to catch a glowing, four-metre rugby ball before
being taken by Lomu to a 15-metre replica of the World Cup trophy, the
Webb Ellis Cup.
Lomu, the tournament's record try-scorer with 15 in 1995 and 1999,
was joined by the leading try-getters 18 of the other World Cup nations
apart from Russia, which is making its debut in the tournament.
Tens of thousands of cheering fans had crowded key spots around the
city from mid-afternoon as the tournament finally got underway, six
years after New Zealand was awarded hosting rights. |