He is far from happy about the plans in Auckland, where political bickering has led to a temporary complex beside the viaduct being the so-called ''party central'' for the event.
''In Auckland, this bloody disgrace down the viaduct is not getting me too excited. I think they should be putting a temporary tent in Victoria Park and all you'd have to do to market it is say it is the biggest audio-video screen in New Zealand history.''
Ellis felt that could be repeated further south.
''In Auckland, Victoria Park is right by Ponsonby, so it is in the right place. But you also could do it in Wellington at Westpac Stadium and in Christchurch in Hagley Park and also in Dunedin, where it can be the same as a test.
''I reckon that would be mighty and you're giving back to all the people who have supported the tournament.''
Ellis, who played in the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, does not mince words over the proposed party central at the viaduct.
''It is rat s ... , really. It's in the wrong part of town and to spend $15 million on a temporary structure against somewhere where you can put a tent up and then mow the lawns at the end of it in the most central part of town.''
Ellis believes New Zealanders are fully aware of how big the event is but said organisers had to realise the climax of the tournament would not involve many New Zealanders getting to the games.
''In those final couple of weeks, 99% of New Zealand won't be able to afford to go to those games, so the price is out of reach, and you've got to give something back to the guy out on the street.
''Those people have supported the side all those years.
''That is the key job for the rugby union. To engage with the people who have supported the team for years and won't be able to go to those quarterfinals, semifinals and final.''
