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Key Rugby World Cup 2011 matches to be free-to-air
James Mortimer - (3/03/2010)
Rights to broadcast free-to-air coverage of the Rugby World Cup next year in New Zealand have been given to the collective bid by Maori TV, TVNZ and TV3.
Sky TV has the international rights to the World Cup, and all 48 tournament matches will be broadcast via the provider.
However, Maori TV will broadcast delayed coverage of the remaining 32 games not covered under the “major matches” umbrella.
The International Rugby Board (IRB) had agreed to a joint bid by the major New Zealand broadcasters late last year to screen the World Cup games.
Prime Minister John Key said that all in the country would be able to see the key matches.
"For all intents and purposes New Zealanders will be able to see on a free to air basis those big matches including the All Blacks, the semis and finals and the opening ceremony," Mr Key said.
Maori Television had originally put in a bid of their own, before being replaced with a joint bid sharing all matches between the major broadcasters. This was in turn backed by the New Zealand Government.
Rugby World Cup 2011 - Pool Draw:
Pool A
New Zealand, France, Tonga, Canada, Asia 1 (Asian Five Nations winner)
Pool B
Argentina, England, Scotland, Europe 1 (European Nations Cup winner), Play-Off winner
Pool C
Australia, Ireland, Italy, USA, Europe 2 (European Nations Cup runner-up)
Pool D
South Africa, Wales, Fiji, Samoa, Namibia
Quarter finals
8th October 2011
Winner Pool C V Runner-up Pool D @ Westpac Trust Stadium
Winner Pool B V Runner-up Pool A @ AMI Stadium
9th October 2011
Winner Pool D V Runner-up Pool C @ Westpac Trust Stadium
Winner Pool A V Runner-up Pool B @ AMI Stadium
Semi finals
15th October 2011
Winner QF1 V Winner QF2 @ Eden Park
16th October 2011
Winner QF3 V Winner QF4 @ Eden Park
Third placed play off
21st October 2011
Loser SF1 V Loser SF2 @ Eden Park
23rd October 2011
Rugby World Cup Final
Winner SF1 v Winner SF @ Eden Park
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