Rugby Celebration

Thurs 27th Oct - CITYLIFE AUCKLAND SEES STARS

Who's this familiar-looking gentleman with Helen and Jennifer from CityLife Auckland? Clearly not the new man on reception, the much-missed Dan Carter is warmly welcomed during a visit.

Mon 24th Oct - THE NEW WORLD CHAMPIONS!

They've done it! After a wait of 24 years, New Zealand are rugby world champions again, claiming the William Webb Ellis trophy by the narrowest of margins in a fantastic performance against France last night.

It was a tense, gripping match worthy of a final, and what it lacked in points it more than made up for in drama and suspense.

The win must be a huge sense of relief for all the players (and all us fans!), as well as a vindication of the efforts of Graham Henry and the whole management team over the last 4 years.

Well done boys - you've done us all proud!

Weekend results:

Final: France 7 - 8 New Zealand
Bronze Final: Wales 18 - 21 Australia

Fri 21st Oct - THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

It's a case of 'If it ain't broke, don't break it' for the All Blacks this weekend, with Graham Henry announcing an unchanged starting lineup for Sunday's mammoth final against France.

The boys in black look to be hitting their stride now after a comprehensive performance against the Wallabies last weekend, and the return to full fitness of key players like McCaw, Kahui, Dagg and Read.

Friday night sees the 3rd place play-off between Wales and Australia, which promises to be a pretty evenly-fought match between two teams looking to end their campaign on a high.

In the Heritage office we're seeing all black again with staff decked out in our replica shirts in support of the team. So here's to a great game and a worthy ultimate winner!

Weekend fixtures:

Wales vs Australia – Fri 21 Oct - 8.30PM
France vs New Zealand – Sun 23 Oct - 9.00PM

Mon 17th Oct - BLACK AND BLUE THIS WEEKEND

With the weekend's exciting semi-final matches ending in triumphs for France and New Zealand, both sides are now just 80 minutes away from holding aloft the coveted William Webb Ellis Cup.

It would be the first time for France but the second for New Zealand, following the previous triumph in the inaugural tournament in 1987. Seems such a long time ago doesn't it?

Rugby fans across the world (well, possibly not in France) will be revelling in the outstanding form of All Blacks such as Weepu, Jane, Dagg and McCaw, all of whom really lifted their performances for the victory over the Wallabies. (Image: NZ Herald)

While the All Black performance was a confident and assured one, the French victory was a hard-earned one against the determined Welsh. The question for many people is how much difference the Welsh sending off made. It promises to be another nail-biting weekend of rugby ahead...

Weekend results:

Australia 6 - 20 New Zealand
Wales 8 - 9 France

Fri 14th Oct - SEMIFINAL SHOWDOWNS

On the eve of the tournament semifinals the questions we're all wondering are how much impact injuries and the weather will have on the results.

The All Blacks have their share of the former, with Dan Carter and Mils Muliaina most conspicuous by their unfortunate absence, and Richie McCaw not perhaps at 100%. On the positive side, Richard Kahui is back to full fitness and will slot back into his spot on the wing.

The Wallabies have their own injury worry with Kurtley Beale not certain to be fit enough, but are otherwise at virtually a full-strength squad.

The weather gods are apparently smiling on the Welsh and French but not so on the Trans-Tasman opponents, with rain and wind forecast for Sunday. Another challenge for kickers - just what we need!

Here's to a great weekend of rugby, regardless of the outcomes!

Tues 11th Oct - WAITING FOR A CALL-UP

The rooftop terrace of the Icon Conference Centre at Heritage Queenstown played as the field where the hotel team tried out some of their moves. They're looking good, but we think the boys in black are pretty safe...

Mon 10th Oct - AND THEN THERE WERE 4

The first weekend of knockout rugby is over, with doubtless a few nails nibbled and television sets bellowed at over the course of the 4 matches.

Some extremely close games, including the Springboks managing to somehow snatch defeat from the jaws of victory against the Wallabies. (Image from NZ Herald)

Australia now return to Auckland for this weekend's 'big two' match against the All Blacks, fresh from a similarly nerve-straining win over Argentina. This was a game very much of positives and negatives, with a couple more injury worries but also some heartening sights in the form of Weepu and Cruden.

Weekend results:

New Zealand 33 - 10 Argentina
South Africa 9 - 11 Australia
England 12 - 19 France
Ireland 10 - 22 Wales

Fri 7th Oct - SQUAD NAMED

The All Blacks squad to tackle Argentina has been named, and even with a couple of key injuries still looks a pretty impressive line-up.

Sonny Bill starts on the wing while Mils Muliaina follows in the footsteps of Richie McCaw (left) and gets cap number 100, after nervously hovering on 98 for a while. Who straps on the kicking boots though we wonder?

Wed 5th Oct - IT'S A KNOCKOUT!

Anyone got plans for this weekend? Oh that's right, we'll all be glued to 'the box' on Saturday and Sunday evenings for the rugby quarter finals. There's some tasty tests for teams lined up, especially the Springboks-Wallabies clash. Who'd have predicted these two 'big guns' would be playing off so early in the knock-out rounds?

The Northern Hemisphere clashes also promise some fireworks, with Ireland looking very confident and England still searching for that elusive form we know they have. And there's the All Blacks too of course, complete with new goal kicker (gulp!). We hope you all enjoy the matches as much as we will.

Weekend fixtures:

Ireland vs Wales - Sat 8th Oct 6.00PM
England vs France - Sat 8th Oct 8.30PM
South Africa vs Australia - Sun 9th Oct 6.00PM
New Zealand vs Argentina - Sun 9th Oct 8.30PM

Mon 3rd Oct - THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY

How's everyones nerves today? Recovered from the weekend's matches? The final pool games have been played and there's been heartbreak for some (who didn't feel for the Italian players after their loss to Ireland?) and joy for others as they progress to the excitement of the quarter finals this weekend.

But how much of a difference will the loss of Dan Carter make to the All Blacks chances? His fearsome kicking skills will be sorely missed; hope Colin Slade is out kicking balls about as we speak! It's certainly added an added level of tension to the tournament, but then we all enjoy a good white-knuckle ride don't we?

Weekend results:

Ireland 36 - 6 Italy
Wales 66 - 0 Fiji
New Zealand 79 - 15 Canada
Argentina 25 - 7 Georgia
France 14 - 19 Tonga
England 16 - 12 Scotland
Australia 68 - 22 Russia
South Africa 13 - 5 Samoa

Thurs 29 Sept - PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW

Now that we're into the last days of the pool matches it's sad to see some of the teams having to pack their bags for the final time and head back home.

So far we've had to bid a fond farewell to Japan, Romania, Russia and Namibia, and a few other teams will be nervously awaiting their final pool match to decide their fate. The next few days will decide who stays and who goes.

Midweek results:

Georgia 25 - 9 Romania
Italy 27 - 10 USA
Canada 23 - 23 Japan
Wales 81 - 7 Namibia

Tues 27 Sept - ITALIAN TEAM TAKE UP HOTEL JOBS IN NELSON

While down in Nelson some of the Italian team took time out from rugby to assist the Rutherford Hotel Nelson staff on reception and in the kitchen. And worthy additions to the staff they were too - the boys are always welcome back if they ever fancy a change in career direction.

Here we have some photos of Andrea Lo Cicero preparing something tasty in the kitchen, and Martin Castrogiovanni and Salvatore Perugini the new faces of the hotel on reception. Many thanks boys!

Mon 26 Sept - SCOT NO CHANCE NOW

The highs and lows of another weekend of rugby action... On Saturday the All Blacks buried (most of) the ghosts of tournaments past with a convincing win over the French. But be honest, weren't most of us just a wee bit concerned in the first 5 minutes?

Nonetheless, the win is now raising expectations even further that this could be the AB's cup. Certainly a great boost of confidence for the team against their perennial 'bogie team'. (Image from NZ Herald)

Unfortunately the same can't be said of Scotland, who really are going to need a blinder in their final pool game against South Africa to progress in the tournament. England and Ireland flew the flag for Northern Hemisphere teams though, and that North-South final is looking increasingly on the cards.

Weekend results:

Argentina 13 - 12 Scotland
Ireland 62 - 12 Russia
Fiji 7 - 27 Samoa
New Zealand 37 - 17 France
England 67 - 3 Romania

And as for the predictions, office bragging rights go to Noel this time for an uncannily close prediction for the All Blacks game. Turns out he maybe does know a thing or two about rugby after all...

Fri 23 Sept - MEMORIES AND PREDICTIONS

There's a real buzz about the hotels with the All Blacks back in Auckland. The lobbies are filled with people and chatter, all of which is great to see. On everyone's mind is the match against France at Eden Park on Saturday.

The Les Blues are a tricky team to predict and the squad taking the pitch is not the strongest the ABs could face, but no-one can forget what happened at the last World Cup only 4 short years ago so there'll certainly be some nerves both on the pitch and on the couch at home!

After the success (or lack thereof) with the office predictions for last week's All Blacks result, gauntlets have been thrown down for this weekend's two tasty tussles. Here's to a fanatstic weekend of rugby and all glory to the office winner on Monday morning!

Noel – New Zealand 38 - 15 France ; Argentina 21 - 15 Scotland
David H – New Zealand 47 - 13 France ; Argentina 33 - 17 Scotland
David L – New Zealand 42 - 10 France ; Argentina 15 - 12 Scotland
Michael – New Zealand 26 - 16 France ; Argentina 24 - 28 Scotland
Brigid – New Zealand 36 - 20 France ; Argentina 34 - 30 Scotland
Sue – New Zealand 28 - 18 France ; Argentina 16 - 24 Scotland

Wed 21 Sept - RUGBY HERITAGE IN SUNSHINE CAPITAL

Nelson took a step back in time on Tuesday, where a re-enactment of New Zealand's first rugby game in May 1870 was played out at the Botanical Reserve.

Both teams were kitted out in uniforms of the day and played according to the historical rules, where tries only earned the team the right to "try'' for a kick at goal rather than any actual points.

It seems it wasn’t only the players who were getting into the historic spirit, with a number of people dressed in period clothing watching on from the sidelines, the mayor and his wife dressed appropriately in period costume (above) and even a long-john wearing streaker making an appearance!

For those history buffs, Charles Monro is the man credited with bringing rugby to Nelson and ultimately to the country. (Image from Nelson Mail)

Midweek results:

South Africa 87 - 0 Namibia
Tonga 31 - 18 Japan
Italy 53 - 17 Russia

Mon 19 Sept - WHEN IRISH EYES ARE SMILING

The Irish are turning into everyone's second team it seems after an awesome win against the Wallabies on Saturday. It's bad news for Australia of course, but may also bring with it some bad news for the All Blacks as well, since there's now a very real possibility that they will meet South Africa in the semi finals. Gulp!

Weekend results:

New Zealand 83-7 Japan
Argentina 43-8 Romania
South Africa 49-3 Fiji
Australia 6-15 Ireland
Wales 17-10 Samoa
England 41-10 Georgia
France 46-19 Canada

And as for the predictions of Friday night's All Blacks match against Japan, the female is indeed stronger than the male where the Heritage Hotels office is concerned. Congratulations to Sue C as the one whose prediction was closest to the final score. Beginners luck we suspect...

Fri 16 Sept - PREDICTIONS FOR TONIGHT

The All Blacks line up against the Cherry Blossoms (aka Japan) tonight with neither team fielding a full-strength squad. Are certain of the All Blacks really injured or just prudently being rested?

Only they know for sure, but to get into the spirit of the game we've asked a few team members for their predictions for tonight's result. Three male rugby 'experts' and two female, er, 'novices' have gazed into the crystal ball and come up with the below. Who will come closest and win the Heritage office bragging rights?

DH (male): NZ 57 - 12 Japan

ND (male): NZ 48 - 9 Japan

DL (male): NZ 65 - 3 Japan

BT (female): NZ 49 - 18 Japan

SC (female): NZ 75 - 12 Japan

Thurs 15 Sept - MIDWEEK MATCHES & CITYLIFE AUCKLAND PHOTOS

Have we seen the first upset of the tournament now with Canada's narrow win over Tonga? They were certainly ecstatic about the victory - great stuff to see such passion from nations we wouldn't normally associate with the game.

Midweek results:

Russia 6 - 13 United States of America
Scotland 15 - 6 Georgia
Tonga 20 - 25 Canada
Samoa 49 - 12 Namibia

And for today's journey around the hotels we dip into the portfolio of photos from the team at CityLife Auckland.

The hotel management team including Nicole Lawson (General Manager) on the far left and James Billing (Executive Assistant Manager) lying down on the job again

Wed 14 Sept - WELLINGTON AND HANMER SPRINGS GET IN THE SPIRIT

Black takes centre stage at CityLife Wellington and Heritage Hanmer Springs as the teams get into the spirit of the tournament with decorations and jerseys.

First up, the reception and lobby areas of CityLife Wellington:

Then heading south, the ballroom and restaurant at Heritage Hanmer Springs:

Mon 12 Sept - TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF

The tournament kicks off with a fabulous opening ceremony at Eden Park on Friday night. The organisers really did us all proud with a display sure to have wowed audiences over the world.

As for the matches themselves, no upsets yet but the fans of couple of nations may have some early jitters about their team's form. And what would a world cup be without a rather questionable referee decision? Well done to the Welsh team for accepting it with very good grace.

Weekend results:

Australia 32 - 6 Italy
Ireland 22 - 10 United States of America
South Africa 17 - 16 Wales
Romania 24 - 34 Scotland
Fiji 49 - 25 Namibia
France 47 - 21 Japan
Argentina 9 - 13 England
New Zealand 41 - 10 Tonga

Fri 9 Sept - BLACK OUT DAY AT HERITAGE AUCKLAND

All staff at Heritage Auckland and Heritage Hotel Management get their black on to support the All Blacks for the opening match of the tournament.

Plus donations made by all staff are gifted to the Auckland City Mission to help those less fortunate.

Thurs 8 Sept - CONVERSIONS KICKED AT WATERFRONT SUITES

Rugby takes over at Waterfront Suites Paihia in the Bay of Islands with a massive goalpost erected outside. Looks a challenge even Grant Fox would struggle with.

Wed 7 Sept - SQUADS NAMED AND WEATHER FORECAST

The All Blacks have named their squad for the opening match against Tonga on Friday night. Maybe a surprise or two but generally everyone believes this is as strong a squad as Graham Henry could field. Fingers crossed...

The weather gods are smiling on us all with fine weather forecast for the rest of the week, meaning we should all be able to enjoy the spectacular fireworks displays before the opening match, plus some on-field ffireworks from the All Blacks and Tonga afterwards.

Tues 6 Sept - GIANT RUGBY BALL COMES HOME

The Tourism New Zealand giant rugby ball settles into it's new home on the Auckland waterfront. Visitors will be able to go inside daily from Saturday 10th September to enjoy a multimedia display on this beautiful country.

Giant rugby ball in its earlier home beside London's Tower Bridge

Mon 5 Sept - HOTELS GET INTO THE RUGBY SPIRIT

Rugby fever hits the hotels as flags and bunting go up in the lobbies, restaurants and other public areas. Check out some photos below of the reception, lobby and restaurant areas of Heritage Auckland.

David Latu (Front Office Manager - CityLife Auckland) and Noel Dillon (General Manager Sales & Marketing - Heritage Hotels)

Our lovely Maria in Hectors Restaurant

Down in Heritage Queenstown rugby has also started taking over the lobby, reception and bar areas.

The world's eyes are on us all with the third largest sporting event in the world being played on our shores. At Heritage Hotels and CityLife Hotels we're excited about the tournament and getting behind our teams, so we wanted to share with you some of the local colour and people from our hotels around the country.

So here's to a fabulous tournament - and a deserving winner at the conclusion (possibly wearing black?)...