Probably everyone in New Zealand knows the Rugby World Cup starts tomorrow in Auckland. The first game is between the All Blacks and Tonga.
The last time that the Rugby World Cup was held in New Zealand was in 1987. The last time the All Blacks won the cup was also in 1987. This event is held very four years.
Teams from twenty countries will play for this cup. They are divided into four pools with five teams and 10 games in each pool. After that there will be quarter-finals, semi-finals and then finals on October 23rd.
Games will be played in many different towns around the country, except Christchurch because of earthquake damage to the stadium. The teams arrived this week and were welcomed by the town which is hosting them.
Tomorrow night Auckland will celebrate with a fireworks display over the harbour. Many Auckland shops, businesses and homes are decorated with flags and lights to celebrate that New Zealand is hosting the Rugby World Cup. Of the 48 games, 11 will be played at Eden Park in Auckland and two more on the North Shore in Auckland.
95,000 international visitors are expected in New Zealand this month and next month to watch the games.
Vocabulary
A pool of five teams means a group of five teams.
A stadium is the field and the seating.
To host a team means to look after the team and arrange a field where the team can practise.