Webb Ellis Cup attracting thousands of rival fans to Auckland Museum

French fans are coming in their dozens to look at the Webb Ellis Cup and stake their claim on it before Sunday’s big final.

Large numbers of French media are also making the trip to Auckland Museum, where the Cup is being held until Sunday 5pm, to capture footage for their match coverage.

By 5pm Thursday – after five days at the museum – nearly 11,000 visitors had stood on the podium and taken photos with the Cup. More than 20 French print, television and radio crews visited during the week.

Among the queues to see the Cup have been the wives and families of the French team, who spent a few hours at the museum before taking photos and carrying out interviews in front of the trophy they’re hoping will follow them home.

Playful banter from rival fans in the queues has the French confidently backing themselves for a win come Sunday while the Kiwis visitors are adamant the Cup will stay in New Zealand.

The Webb Ellis Cup will remain on display at Auckland Museum until 5pm Sunday – before being handed to the winners of RWC 2011 just a handful of hours later at Eden Park.

Webb Ellis Cup on show
10am – 5pm Saturday & Sunday
Auckland Museum (Northern Entrance)

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