At a Rugby World Cup 2011 announcement in Auckland yesterday, the playing schedule and match venues were announced.
Precise kick-off times were not revealed, but it was indicated 10 of the 40 pool games would be played during the day.
The first weekend of the tournament will feature eight games and Rugby New Zealand 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden said he was confident after the first weekend of games the whole country would be embracing the Rugby World Cup.
The All Blacks will play two pool matches in Auckland, including the heavyweight encounter against France.
They will also play an Asian opponent, most probably Japan in Hamilton, and a team from the Americas, most likely Canada, in Wellington.
The All Blacks will play their quarterfinal in Christchurch, with that game likely to kick off about 8pm.
The two quarterfinals, to be played in Wellington, will kick off earlier.
Rugby World Cup Ltd managing director Mike Miller said the later kick-off to the final would enable a bigger audience to take in the game, with every minute mattering.
The final will be played on the Sunday of Labour weekend, on October 23, with the third-fourth play-off falling on the previous Friday, October 21.
Snedden was at pains to emphasise the tournament was for the whole country and would be celebrated with many festivals, including non-sporting events, during the six-week tournament.
It had been tempting to start the tournament with the match between the All Blacks and France, he said, but it was decided to go with the match-up against Tonga because of the Pacific Island connection and the illustrious record Pacific Island teams had in the tournament.
Initially they looked at having pools on a tight geographical basis, but when they checked the logistics it was clear that would be difficult to do, Snedden said.
Teams are spread out around the country, with Scotland playing three pool games in the South Island and then facing arch enemy England at Eden Park.
Eden Park also hosts a big game between Australia and Ireland.
There had been much debate between Snedden's group and the Rugby World Cup Ltd management on the number of venues, but Snedden was happy to get 13 venues, up from 10 in France in 2007 and the same number in Australia in 2003.
Each venue will host at least two games, and Eden Park will host nine games, with five pool matches, the two semifinals, the third-fourth play-off and the final.
Wellington and Christchurch will host five pool games and two quarterfinals each.
If the All Blacks win their pool, they are likely to face either Argentina, England or Scotland on October 9 in Christchurch in the quarterfinals.
Snedden said he was aware of the tough economic climate at present but was hopeful by 2011 the tournament could be seen as a sign the country was moving towards better times.
