This forms the7th Rugby World Cup where the titans clash in the epic game. What an exhilarating and breathtaking opening ceremony. There were goose bumps all round!

Some fast facts:

• Largest sporting event ever to be held in New Zealand
• The event costs about NZ$310 million to run and to generate NZ$280 million in ticket sales
• The Rugby World Cup lasts for 45 days
• 12 match venues
• 48 matches
• 900 players and support staff
• 5,500 volunteers
• 10,000 catering staff
• Teams bring 80 tonnes of freight (equivalent to 20 African elephants)
• 97,800 meals are eaten at team hotels
• 1 million punnets of chips are sold at stadia
• 300,000 glasses are required for stadia
• 1,388 match balls are needed for 48 matches and training
• 60,000 personnel are accredited including players, media, catering staff, security, VIPs
• 121,540 bed nights are booked for the official needs of Tournament (equivalent to 332 years)
• 9,000 international and domestic flights booked for teams, officials and others flying to and around New Zealand
• Busses and cars are being hired representing 8,870 vehicle hire days

Click here to download your free 2011 Rugby World Cup Fixtures poster

Past Rugby World Cup Finals:

Sources: Official Rugby World Cup website www.rugbyworldcup.com 2011 Tournament Information Fact Sheet