Semi-final perfect lead-up to World Cup play-off

Wellington rugby fans will have plenty of time to take in Saturday night’s Mitre 10 Cup semi-final between the Lions and Canterbury before settling in to watch the All Blacks take on Ireland in their World Cup play-off match.

The Lions match kicks off at Westpac Stadium at 7.05pm and will be decided well before 9pm if extra time is not required.

That will give fans more than two hours to head to their planned venue to take in the All Blacks quarterfinal at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Wellington Rugby chief executive Matt Evans said the Mitre 10 Cup semi-final will be a great appetiser for fans.

“The Lions have been playing some really entertaining rugby all season and the fans heading along to Westpac Stadium have not left disappointed,” he said.

“We are expecting the semi-final to be a really epic encounter and fans can be part of that before they head away to take in a World Cup quarterfinal which will feature two of the top ranked teams at the tournament.

“The team have also been really appreciative for the support they have had this season and hope fans will be there again to cheer them on.”

Evans was encouraging fans to get to the game and then enjoy the world famous Wellington hospitality.

Kapura retail operations manager Ben Smith said there were a number of establishments in their group which were gearing up to cater rugby fans supporting the All Blacks and Ireland.

“We want to make sure everyone has a fantastic night and fans will be able to make the easy journey from Westpac Stadium into town to enjoy the hospitality and what promises to be a great game of rugby.”