Counting down RWC2011

By this time next week, the opening match of the Rugby World Cup will have been played, and the tournament will be underway. It's hard to believe that it was almost six years ago, November 2005, that the tournament was awarded to New Zealand by the IRB. Now it's almost here.

Most of the teams have now arrived in New Zealand, and have been dispatched to various destinations to prepare. The USA side arrives in Auckland this morning and flies on to Wanganui in a chartered plane. They will be welcomed by the public of Wanganui tomorrow afternoon; more on that tomorrow!

Over the next six days we'll be taking a look at various aspects of Rugby World Cup 2011. We won't necessarily be looking at just the rugby. Excitement seems to be building around the country, and we're right on board!

So here, to whet your appetitie is an excerpt from The Radio Network commentator Nigel Yalden's RWC2011 Survival Guide:

Just seven days to go until the big one folks, so here are some tips to help you survive the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

1. Stock your toilet with the essentials - In addition to the obvious (extra toilet rolls, extra air fresher, a good selection of related magazine style reading material etc) I suggest putting a small transistor radio on the window ledge.

It’s the great thing about Radio Sport and Newstalk ZB – you don’t have to hold on until half time, you can go, do what ya gotta do and not miss a thing. Make sure you check everything is in order for throne at least one hour prior to kick off, including regular checking of the batteries.

2. Turn provocative statements into a billboard – The overseas press, particularly those from England, will be taking pot shots at the All Blacks like Morne Steyn will be dropping goals - every five minutes.

They want you to bite, but by simply adding the well known phrase “Yeah Right” to the end of the afore mentioned provocation, defuses any attempt to incite. e.g. “Richie McCaw is a cheat – yeah right.” See, oh so simple and effective.

Stay tuned; we'll be all over RWC2011 like a cheap suit!