Organisers of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand said today that 40 per cent of matches will have late kick-offs in a move to maximise the tournament's global television audiences. Under the plans, 19 of the 48 matches will begin at 8pm (0900GMT) or later, so they will take place between 8am and 10am in Britain, France, Italy and South Africa.
Rugby New Zealand 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden said kick-off times had been pushed back as late as possible to avoid matches being played in the early hours of the morning in major rugby markets.
"We have achieved a good balance." he said. "If New Zealand is to make the most of the platform RWC 2011 gives us to showcase our country to the world, then we need to ensure we maximise the global television audience for key matches."The quarter-finals will be 6pm-8.30pm double-headers, while both the semis and the final will start at 9pm. New Zealand will switch to daylight saving time midway through the tournament, meaning the 9pm kick-off time equates to 9am-10am in Europe and South Africa.
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