RUGBY:A DECISION as to whether Christchurch's earthquake-damaged rugby stadium can be repaired sufficiently to stage World Cup matches will be made within weeks.
New Zealand prime minister John Key said the condition of the AMI Stadium will determine if the city is able to play host to matches as scheduled.
Damage caused by the earthquake on February 22nd meant the facility was closed so it could be inspected.
Key said Christchurch’s chance of holding five group matches and two quarter-finals was not “looking bleaker”, but there were issues to be addressed before a definite answer could be given.
The tournament runs from September 9th to October 23rd and the first match scheduled for Christchurch is England’s Pool B meeting with Argentina on September 10th.
Stadium operator Vbase said the venue had sustained “minor repairable structural damage” and “substantial damage to the surrounding streets”.
The final decision will be made by the International Rugby Board, and the prime minister said his government would be working closely with them on all the various issues.
