Bars prosper as supporters gather to watch ABs on big screens

BREAKFAST RUGBY: Cornerstone Pub patrons David Lavender (left), Mark Spreadbury and Simon Sheely watching captain Cane and his team versus Namibia in yesterday's Rugby World Cup game. PHOTO/JOHN BORREN

Hundreds of avid All Blacks supporters grabbed the chance to watch their team romp home against Namibia live on the big TV screens at bars and restaurants across the city yesterday.

Piperight Pumping owner Simon Sheely and his employees Mark Spreadbury, David Lavender and Mitch Logan enjoyed breakfast at Cornerstone Pub while watching Tauranga Boys' College old boy Sam Cane lead the All Blacks to a 58-14 victory.

Mr Spreadbury said the All Blacks were playing well and he had no doubts they wouldn't make the final and win.

"To be fair its pretty standard All Blacks play as they were predicted to reach over 100 points [against Namibia] but it's still an impressive win in anyone's books."

The All Blacks ran in nine tries during their victory over 20th seed Namibia.

"I was pretty impressed by Sam Cane's captaincy. He's a natural born leader and is definitely living up to Richie McCaw's legacy. He's the new superstar as McCaw's replacement," he said.

Mr Logan was convinced the All Blacks would make the final.

"They will either come up against England or South Africa. I know South Africa lost to Japan but they won't lose again."

The All Blacks' next game is against Georgia on Saturday, October 3, and kicks off at 8am at Millennium Stadium.

Cornerstone Pub owner Taute Tocker said yesterday was the first All Blacks World Cup game his sports bar had opened early for and it had been well worth it.

There was a full house and we did well over 100 breakfasts and lots of coffee, he said.

Mr Tocker said the bar had created a bit of a fan zone with All Black jerseys, flags and TV screens inside and out featuring the game.

Fraser Cove's World's End Bar and Restaurant owner Cameron Keogh said he was shocked how many people turned up to show their support for the All Blacks.

"It was ridiculously busy. I managed to catch the last 20 minutes of the game but spent the rest of the time in the kitchen. It was a full house. We even had to open the upstairs bar and had close to 100 people, with probably 30 people seated upstairs.

"I'll definitely have to have a few more rashers of bacon ready at the start of the [next] game," he said.

Mr Keogh said the atmosphere in the bar was electric.

"But I do think there was more cheering when Namibia scored its first try than when the All Blacks ran in their first try but that is the Kiwi way. It's cool," he said.

As for Cane's first game as captain, AIMS Games tournament director and friend Vicki Semple said he did a fantastic job in his first time in the captaincy role.

"I saw a photograph on social media after the final whistle which was captured at half time and he was walking off with Sonny Bill Williams with a big smile on his face. I was so glad he looked to be really enjoying himself."

Ms Semple said it was great that Cane had a large contingent of family supporters at the game, including his parents.