Richard Loe: All is not lost in quest for the World Cup

I think we have a better chance of getting the 2011 World Cup than most people think. It's still a long shot, and I've always said so, but I do think New Zealand will have some pull for the International Rugby Board.

I'm glad that the NZRU decided to have a go and I am also pleased that Trevor Mallard got the gorse out of his pockets and backed it. So he should when you think about how the Government stands to benefit monetarily. If we did win the World Cup, the Government would get its money back, no problem.

Most people think the decision will go to Japan and that South Africa will be second choice ahead of New Zealand. I am not so sure. We all know the World Cup depends on money. They will be tempted to give the 2011 Cup to the country that offers the most return. But rugby - even these days - is not just about money and neither is the IRB. There is still an argument for the rugby feel and rugby atmosphere of a venue.

Most of the money comes from sponsorship and TV rights but there is also ticket sales. I've heard suggestions that the IRB might be worried about Japan from one aspect - people in stadiums. Japan is not a rugby country. Being Japan, however, you would have to guess they will organise the crowds OK but there may be little or no atmosphere generated.

As for South Africa, well, they have been there, done that and didn't fill all the stadia in 1995 either. I fancy the IRB will look elsewhere. That's where New Zealand comes in. We haven't staged it since 1987, when it was a raging success, so why not bring it back? We'll not have any trouble filling stadia as ours are smaller and if the NZRU has done what it's said it's done, they've found a mathematical formula to offer the IRB an acceptable amount of money without having to sink too much money into organising it.

I also think the ordinary rugby person wanting to travel to Japan will find attending a World Cup there hugely expensive, whereas New Zealand is more affordable. That will also be a factor, particularly when you ally that with the stadium and atmosphere concerns I mentioned earlier.

As for the plans to upgrade Eden Park, it must be done - if it happens at all - with long-term vision. It's not just about putting more seats here and there. They have to look at the whole picture and address the transport problem, maybe building a train depot to handle test-match crowds. They have to address all the other issues - parking, the residents, etc - that need to be taken into account to build a stadium capable not only of holding a World Cup final but making it an enjoyable experience in all facets.

And if they do put in more temporary seats, please make sure everyone has a decent view. Sometimes a stadium builds lots of temporary seats but many are at ground level. You don't want to pay the big loot for a ticket and end up at ground level, believe me.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY