Editorial: Not allowed to blow it

Good thing it's Ireland and Russia playing in Rotorua this weekend and not Scotland, otherwise we might have found ourselves at the centre of Bagpipegate - the furore over the ban on bagpipes at Scotland's Rugby World Cup matches (actually, they're banned at all Rugby World Cup matches, but it's the Scottish ones that matter).

The bagpipes - this year's vuvuzela. What will be banned next?

It does clearly state on the official list of contraband items for World Cup matches that musical instruments are not allowed.

Some perhaps feel this should not include bagpipes, given their status as a symbol of Scotland, and their ability to lift the Scots in the way the haka might lift the All Blacks or songs and chants may lift other sides.

They have a point - but while the players would appreciate it, would you want the bloke behind you performing Scotland the Brave at full volume in a tightly packed stadium?

And if you allow bagpipes, would that mean you would have to allow other loud instruments such as vuvuzelas?

The answer it would seem would be for officials to relax the rules enough to allow a sanctioned bagpiper or band of bagpipers to play before and throughout the match from a designated spot or spots.

Much as the All Blacks are allowed the extra time before the game to perform the haka. Bagpipes would only add to the already electric atmosphere of these World Cup games.

If you're going to tomorrow's big match in Rotorua, best head down early - nearly 30,000 people including spectators and staff will be heading in the same direction.

Others would do well to avoid the roads on that side of town before and after the game. Whatever you're up to, have a great weekend.