It’s a long way to Twickenham

If we knew the Rugby World Cup Finalists would be the two best Southern Hemisphere nations, couldn’t we have played this game back home? Not only would we save money but the Rugby chiefs would make a motza.

The MCG is sitting idle (apologies to Vic cricket), surely 100,000 supporters presents greater financial appeal than Twickenham’s 82,000?

Why the MCG and not Eden Park I hear you ask? Well Eden Park can only hold 50,000 at a squeeze and they had it last time and besides it’s our turn.

Rugby is a big business and while the attendance figures in England and Wales have been excellent, the numbers don’t stack up for the Green and Gold supporters.

If you are travelling on a budget and went to every Pool and Finals game the Wallabies played, you would have spent over $7,500. This includes International travel, public transport, basic merchandise, forty nights in budget accommodation (hostel) and D category seating. Food and beverages included, although I am sure on a good night’s celebration the average beer expenditure would have been significant.

For the traveller with access to Qantas Captain Lounges and no expenses spared, you would have spent over $33,500. Sitting in Category A seats for all games alone would have cost close to $5,000, depending on the exchange rate of any given time. Add that with $16,000 of 5 star sleeping for the duration of the Cup and it is a significant expenditure.

Now the MCG is looking very attractive. Tickets for the RWC final are $1,560 (category A through reputable ticket reseller).

With the knowledge that I would have saved thousands by staying at home, I can easily justify purchasing an exclusive Category A seat. I would be prepared to spend even more, allowing the organisers to charge a higher fee, with greater seating capacity and a greater return for World Rugby.

With Brett Gosper, son of International Olympic heavyweight Kevan, the CEO of World Rugby, he should know the true value of sporting events at Jolimont’s Cathedral.

A strong case surely to relocate another major International event to Melbourne and lets not forget the availability of the Docklands Stadium, AAMI Park and the one down the road in Corio, Melbourne can host all the games.

I will wake up early to watch the game between the two southern neighbours, looking at the gold supporters on my screen thinking that this somehow doesn’t make cents.

Go you good thing!

About David Parker

A keen observer of all things sport and a Swans tragic, David likes to dabble in sporting documentaries including the Max Bailey doco for Fox Footy. David is currently filming a documentary on the Australian Cycling Men's Team Pursuit squad as they prepare for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

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