Plenty of options for those bored with RWC

Western Bay wives and girlfriends disinterested in the Rugby World Cup are being encouraged to see it in a positive light.

Tauranga clinical psychologist Hans Laven said it was important couples did their own thing from time to time, and women who didn't like rugby should see the tournament as an excuse to relish their own interests.

Mr Laven said it was good for men to have time with other men.

"If things are happening around you, you're not interested in or don't like, there's a choice to feel resentful about that and complain, or make the best of it and view it positively. It's quite important to give yourself the right to be independent."

Many women aren't complaining though.

When All Blacks player Sonny Bill Williams ripped his shirt at Eden Park last Friday, he received one of the loudest cheers from the more than 60,000 fans as he changed his shirt.

On Facebook, 27,767 people - mostly women - "like" the page Sonny Bill William's Shirtless Scene during the Rugby World Cup.

And most women aren't moaning about the sea of black dominating wardrobes.

Kiwi women's love affair with the colour has been underscored by a new survey by detergent maker Persil, which says 80 per cent believe it makes them look good.

Director of Creative Tauranga Tracey Rudduck-Gudsell said she liked rugby, and "loves" the haka.

"Although I do wish they would bring back the jump at the end."

Her father was a rugby player and referee, she followed the All Blacks on tour around the UK in the early 1980s, and her husband's father Keith Gudsell was an All Black in 1949.

"It's always great to see the guys get together over rugby time and that whole male bonding thing going on .. And it's a great time for the ladies to give themselves a bit of a season of attention as well, and catching up with girlfriends," she said.

General manager of the Sebel Trinity Wharf Hotel Gary Dickman said high tea had proved popular with women since the Rugby World Cup began.

For those enjoying the game, and looking to survive countless Rugby World Cup parties, Jude Randell, owner of Bethlehem Health & Tea Shop, suggests a herbal "chill pill" or a magnesium tablet for relaxation during times of stress before or after matches.

If you've celebrated with too many glasses of bubbles, she recommends drinking water with elete electrolytes in between alcoholic beverages and another large glass before bed.

The electrolytes are bought in liquid form from health shops and can be added to water. Mrs Randell also suggests taking a B vitamin before drinking and again in the morning if necessary.