Editorial: Don't whinge - it's once in a lifetime

The pieces of the 2011 Rugby World Cup puzzle are slowly coming together.

It seems like a long time ago since New Zealand won the bid to host the events, followed by silence. The only other stories of note have been the allocation of games, Auckland's innate ability to not make its mind up, and Dunedinites locking horns over whether or not to build a stadium on time (and that's still up for debate).

But yesterday Rugby World Cup Ltd boss Martin Snedden divulged the pricing plan for pool games, knockout games, and the final.

For the final, prices range from $390 to $1250 and, like clockwork, critics were out within seconds. They said the "average New Zealand family" (whoever they are) had been priced out of seeing their heroes. Other criticisms included that the prices were like extortion and showed little value for money.

These are ridiculous arguments. First of all, even if there are 30,000 tickets available to the public (after sponsors, corporates, teams and entourages, have gobbled theirs up) less than 1 per cent of New Zealanders would physically have the chance to see the match. And that's assuming the 30,000 go to Kiwi fans.

There will be massive interest in the match even if – heaven forbid – the All Blacks don't make the game. Imagine how much a New Zealand fan could hock off their ticket for if New Zealand didn't make the big game.

People who are "anti" the pricing structure have clearly never heard of a little economic equation called supply and demand.

Rugby, especially during World Cup time, is big business.

To argue that it costs too much to go to the premier games of the premier tournament in the country's top sport at its upgraded and best stadium, beggars belief.

To their credit, RWC Ltd and their team have offered keen fans the chance to pay tickets off. That's a sensible compromise. It won't be cheap, but it theoretically gives everyone that chance to see the men in black in action.

There have also been pointless comparisons to how much it cost to go to games at the 1987 World Cup. The game, the world, and the tournament, has moved on since then.

There will people in the 2011 All Blacks squad who weren't born when we last one the big one. Let's just enjoy the fact that we've got the tournament and get to host it at all. It may be the last time.

Today's the last day of the Special Olympics national summer games in Manawatu.

While hardly held in startling summery conditions, the warmth of the competitors and their supporters has been felt all around the region.

It's been a well supported and hosted event. A pat on the back for everyone involved.

- © Fairfax NZ News