A record-breaking crowd is expected on day one of the Rugby World Cup 2021 at Eden Park with organisers confirming having sold more than 30,000 tickets for the triple-header including Fiji’s first outing in the world event where they go head to head with world number one ranked England.
The game between Fiji and England, who enter the competition on a record 25-match winning streak, is the second game of the triple-header, scheduled for a 3.45 pm (Fiji Time) kick-off, at the Auckland-based park on Saturday 8 October.
Today, the captains of the 12 participating teams including Fijiana skipper Sereima Leweniqila gathered at Eden Park during which she shared about the team’s excitement ahead of the kick-off.
“It has been a tremendous journey. We are both grateful and excited ahead of our first Rugby World Cup match ever. Before we left for New Zealand, we received great and ongoing support, something very new for us. When we arrived in the country, we met the local Fijian community and we hope they will show up in numbers.”
On Sunday the following week, 16 October, Fiji plays South Africa at Waitakere Stadium at 4.45 pm, also in Auckland, before wrapping up their Pool C proceedings against France at 6.15 pm on Saturday 22 October at the Northland Events Centre in Whangarei.
The tournament, in its ninth showing, and the first to be held in the southern hemisphere, will feature 26 matches across three venues in Auckland and Whangarei and culminates with the final on 12 November at Eden Park.
Hosts New Zealand are five-time winners and current defending champions.
Photo: World Rugby
