Key's Surprise RWC Treat for Christchurch

Tuesday Oct 25: Prankster PM John Key prepares to ambush ABs captain Richie McCaw and More FM's Simon Barnett at the Hagley fanzone victoryfest. His attempted repeat of the endearingly goofy three-way handshake that touched the nation's funnybone on the big night put the cherry on top of Christchurch's magic event.

All Blacks Bring the RWC Mug to Town

The victorious ABs made their triumphant way through the city's relatively undamaged fringe.
With a high proportion of the local Canterbury Crusaders in the team it was something of a homecoming. The parade culminated in a mass love-in at the Hagley Park Fanzone.

Crusaders Corey Flynn and Israel Dagg receive the adulation of their home crowd.

Not Clark Kent but a bespectacled Corey Jane, with Crusader Owen Franks.

Malili Muliaina, Crusader Ben Franks, and surprise match hero Stephen Donald.

Jimmy Cowan and Crusader Sam Whitelock.

Crusaders Andrew Ellis and Kieran Read.

Crusaders Dan Carter and Richie McCaw

Coach Graham Henry gives his benediction to the adoring throng.

Crusader Dan Carter displays the mug.

Getting political.

 'Rosie' storms the stage.

Never too old to love the ABs.

The ultra-rare phenomenon of coach Graham Henry cracking a smile.

It's not easy facing up when your whole world is black?

Mick Jagger proved wrong.

Rugby World Cup Final, Hagley Park Fanzone

While the recent earthquakes deprived Christchurch of the chance to host any RWC matches, Cantabrians turned out in force to cheer the All Black victory on the big screens.

A future AB's debut.

Ready for the big night.

The Blacks are gonna do it.

The game in the balance.

Blessed relief.

 Bravo the Blacks.

Applauding the epic win.

Inside the Rugby World Cup Fanzone, October 13

Among the attractions at Hagley Park's Rugby World Cup Fanzone, a vegetable stag sprouting a burgeoning spring coat.

Deprived of their quake-damaged Arts Centre, Canterbury's craftspeople have a new venue to display their work. The perfect spot for rugby fans with an eye for ceramics.

Inside the Fanzone Dome, two different eras from the series of nostalgia lounges created by Christchurch Polytechnic design students. 

Legendary rugby player Terry Mehrtens and former All Black captain and Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder check out the penultimate millenium lounge.

Rugby World Cup Fanzone, Hagley Park

Fans gathered for the Samoa vs Wales game live from Hamilton.

Christchurch Manu Samoa supporters.