Editorial: Arrival of the real World Cup

Today, Rugby World Cup 2011 comes to Hawke's Bay for real.

We've already got the flags, the hype, the televised matches and local events to add to the atmosphere.

But we haven't had any actual players; any actual rugby.

That's all about to change with the Canadians arriving at Hawke's Bay airport at 5.30pm today. Tomorrow, at 2.45pm, the French arrive. Next Thursday, Japan comes to town.

They will bring with them the true buzz of one of the world's great sporting carnivals.

In Canada and France, we have for the next few days two of the tournament's more colourful teams.

Canada who always hang in there, as they showed last night in a brilliant come-from-behind victory against Tonga in Whangarei. Coached by former All Black Kieran Crowley, they will call Hawke's Bay home for the next fortnight.

They are holding open training sessions on Wednesday, September 21 and Thursday, September 22, from 10am to 11am, at Tremain Field, Park Island.

The Canadians are even taking part in the Blossom Festival Parade in Hastings on Saturday, which is pretty generous considering they're squaring off against the French at McLean Park on Sunday night.

Ahh, the French.

The unpredictable flair. New Zealand's bogey side. The team that ended the All Blacks' run for glory not once, but twice, in 1999 and 2007. The pure Gaul.

We are honoured to have them in Hawke's Bay and I'm certain that Sunday's game will be real sporting entertainment. The French, by the way, are also appearing in the Blossom Festival Parade.

There are official welcomes for both Canada and France at the airport today and tomorrow so if you fancy helping to roll out the welcome mat, head along. Everyone is welcome.

Have to get this off my chest: The English playing in black, looking like All Blacks but certainly not playing like All Blacks, in New Zealand, the home of the All Blacks. Disgraceful!