1.1m have attended RWC games so far

Nearly 1.1 million fans have streamed through the gates of Rugby World Cup stadia for tournament matches so far.

The official attendance stands at 1.07 million since the tournament kicked off with a New Zealand vs Tonga match on September 9.

The final eight of 40 pool matches were completed over the weekend.

Rugby New Zealand 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden said the support had been staggering so far and many of the early tournament games were sold out.

"That's an incredible turnout - equivalent to filling Eden Park around 18 times.

"Games have been full of great colour and passion from fans both local and overseas and that has added a fantastic flavour to every match.''

A total of 1.34 million tickets had been sold, bringing ticket revenue up to $262m but leaving organisers still $6.5m short of the tournament's revenue target, Mr Snedden said.

"I have no doubt we will reach our goal despite the major challenges we have faced, both with the tragic Christchurch earthquakes and the difficult economic climate.''

Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) chairman Bernard Lapasset said strong attendance across all the venues showed the way New Zealanders were backing the tournament and teams.

"The atmosphere around the venues and host cities within New Zealand and travelling international fans combining to give such vocal, passionate and colourful support to all of the teams will be an enduring memory for everyone.''

Many smaller cities and towns are now waving goodbye to overseas visitors they have hosted while holding pool matches. The quarter final, semi-final and finals action will be concentrated in Auckland and Wellington.

Ireland play Wales in the first quarter-final in Wellington on Saturday, followed by France against England at Eden Park.

On Sunday, South Africa play Australia in Wellington and New Zealand take on Argentina in the last quarter-final at Eden Park.

RNZ 2011 general manager marketing Shane Harmon said there was 16,000 tickets left for the England vs France match, and 10,000 for the New Zealand vs Argentina match.

He said tickets were more limited for the Wellington matches, with less than 4500 remaining for the first match and under 5000 for the second.

 

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