NZ Government Admit Concerns Over Christchurch WC Games
February 28, 2011
The government of New Zealand has admitted to concerns that Christchurch may not be able to host Rugby World Cup matches following last week’s devastating earthquake, despite Prime Minister John Key last week saying that he was determined to ensure Christchurch hosted World Cup games.
Rugby New Zealand 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden added to the debate, denying speculation that the country could lose some games to Australia. However, Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee revealed at the weekend that Christchurch’s involvement in the tournament was far from certain, even though only minor damage was sustained at the city’s AMI Stadium.
In an interview with TVNZ, Brownlee stated: “To lose the Rugby World Cup from Christchurch would be a massive blow. I don’t want to see it happen, but we’ve got to be realistic about the prospect. This place recovered amazingly well after the September 4 earthquake (last year), but let’s not rush too far ahead of things.”
While the World Cup games remain in doubt, the management at AMI Stadium have ruled out Super 15 matches taking place at the venue until at least March 15.
