Auckland, New Zealand – 7 May 2010

Kia Ora from New Zealand!

Many times in this small island nation of 4 million people we heard the expression that New Zealand “punches above its weight” when it comes to sporting achievement. And it’s true.

Most people will associate New Zealand with its national passion of rugby, which indeed dominates the sport scene. The national team is the All Blacks, which have one of the highest winning/success rates in any team in sport, and are always a feared opponent on the rugby pitch. This is felt even more when they perform the inspiring war chant — the “Haka” — at the beginning of every match. Check out this funny YOUTUBE VIDEO we filmed at the rugby museum in Palmerston North.

The biggest news in rugby right now is that the country is set to host the IRB Rugby World Cup in 2011. While only a small country, its rugby culture runs deep and the country has many top facilities, which makes it an ideal place to host the tournament. The Rugby World Cup is getting so much public support that one of the tournament taglines says New Zealand will be a “Stadium of 4 Million People”. Why Sport Matters was able to speak with a few people in the rugby community, and even caught up with the actual trophy during its world tour (see photo).
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