Mixed reviews on opening nights...

NOT long now but first comes the ubiquitous opening ceremony that most major sports events feel compelled to foist upon us.

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Don't N ask me why although I suspect deep down it's something to do with mimicking the Olympics and possibly also trying to justify the big hike in ticket prices.

Anyway, the Rugby World Cup, as you suspect, has a wildly erratic record in this respect, not knowing whether to take the convention seriously or to take the mickey. A bit like rugby's attitude to law changes, in fact.

Back in 1987 it all started on one quiet Friday afternoon when less than 20,000 folk decided to attend the first ever World Cup match, between New Zealand and Italy. The All Blacks were in disgrace after the Cavaliers tour to South Africa in 1986, Italy were considered a non-entity and nobody knew what to make of the tournament.

The strapped for cash organisers didn't exactly push the boat out, just 16 local scouts and their troops parading the flags of the competing nations. And, er, that was about it save one military band or was it the local Auckland Police Band? No fireworks although in fairness New Zealand provided those on the field with a 70-6 win including John Kirwan's wonder try.

England upped the ante a little in 1991 with a colourful re-enactment of the tale of William Webb Ellis picking up the ball and running at Rugby School and a couple of marching bands but the image I recall is a parade of notable former players with Colin Meads entrusted with returning the World Cup, holding it like a whiskey shot glass in his giant paw like hands. The Royals sent the İad Prince Edward along to open this fledgling competition - a month later and, with England in the final, HM Queen Elizabeth herself was in attendence.