Kick-Off Times for Rugby World Cup 2011

The kick-off times for the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand have been unveiled.

Eden Park, the scene of the venue for the inaugural RWC Final in 1987, will herald a nationwide six week celebration of world-class Rugby and REAL New Zealand Festival events when it hosts the Opening Ceremony on Friday, 9 September 2011 starting at approximately 19:30 (08:30 GMT). The opening match between New Zealand and Tonga will kick-off at 20:30 (09:30 GMT).

 "We have achieved a good balance," said Martin Snedden, CEO for Tournament Organisers Rugby New Zealand 2011. "If New Zealand is to make the most of the platform RWC 2011 gives us to showcase our country to the world, then we need to ensure we maximise the global television audience for key matches.

"What has now been agreed with event-owner Rugby World Cup Ltd will help all hosting regions to promote themselves to the world and help fans, both domestic and international, to get on with planning their RWC 2011 experience with the start of the Tournament now less than a year away."

Ten of the 48 matches will be played in the afternoon including the New Zealand v Canada pool match at 15:30 (03:30 GMT). A further 12 matches will begin by 18:00 and another seven at 19:30.

England's first game against Argentina on 10 September 2011 will take place at 20:30 (09:30 GMT). Australia play the following day against Italy at 15:30 (04:30 GMT). South Africa get their tournament underway against Wales on 11 September 2011 at 20:30 (09:30 GMT). Click here for the full schedule in .pdf format.

The tournament will culminate in Auckland at the redeveloped Eden Park with the semi-finals and final. The kick-off time for these matches was confirmed at 21:00 (09:00 GMT) when the Match Schedule was announced in March 2009.

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