Nation's biggest event not everybody's cup of tea

Marc Ellis. Photo / Supplied

It seems most people don't know what to make of the Rugby World Cup or how they are feeling now it's almost here.

Survey results from a UMR Research poll this week showed that of 850 people quizzed throughout the country, 37 per cent said they were looking forward to the rugby showdown.

However, 35 per cent said they were not looking forward to it.

Yesterday the Herald ran its own poll, asking its online readers: "How much are you looking forward to the Rugby World Cup?"

We found that many people had a somewhat blase attitude towards the whole thing.

Up to 14,250 voted and of those, 24 per cent said: "I'll watch a few games, it should be good."

A total of 23 per cent voted: "Not too bothered either way," and 22 per cent of the group said: "I don't really like rugby, not looking forward to it at all."

Sixteen per cent voted: "Not excited yet, but I'll get there when it starts," while the optimists came in last, with 15 per cent saying: "Super excited, can't wait."

And it seems a number of well-known Kiwis are among that group.

Sir Peter Leitch, better known as the Mad Butcher, was very excited about the World Cup.

He had just been showing All Black Jimmy Cowan his private league museum when contacted yesterday.

"You bet I'm excited. I think it's going to be fantastic. It's great for New Zealand [and] for Auckland."

Asked whether he would be supporting a second team if, God forbid, the All Blacks didn't do so well, he said: "I'm a Kiwi, mate! I've got my All Blacks shirt and I can't wait. It's going to be a real buzz."

Former All Black Marc Ellis said that although he hadn't bought tickets, he was very much looking forward to the tournament. "It's brilliant for the country. There'll be lots of people and it'll be good for the economy. I'm definitely looking forward to it."

Asked whether he would be going to any games, Ellis said: "I haven't bought any tickets. I just think the pricing is wrong. So I'll probably be just like everyone else, watching at the pub or at a friend's place."

Ellis said he would be cheering for the All Blacks. His dream final match-up would see the All Blacks take on Argentina, he said.

Talkback radio host Willie Jackson was loud about his view of the tournament, shouting, "Wonderful, I say. I can't wait for it and anyone who's against it is just totally negative - terrible if they don't support the Cup."