The streets of Sydney were alive with the sound of rugby last night as 30,000 fans packed into the three live sites to watch the Wallabies upset the All Blacks in the first semi final.
Enthusiasts flocked around the three giant screens installed in three popular Sydney spots: The Rocks, Darling Harbour and on the forecourt of the Opera House.
Early evening temperatures in the late 20 degrees celsius helped the carnival atmosphere.
Party zone
Outside the match venue at Telstra Stadium some 3,000 people watched all the action unfolding not more than 200 metres away on another giant screen.
After the big match more than 5,000 supporters of both teams spilled from the stadium to carry on the party in the Rugby Zone – a fenced off area where the band Saddle Rash kept the place rocking.
Record crowd
The fans had been part of the 82,444 crowd who watched the game at the massive Telstra Stadium, the venue for the 2000 Olympics, a new record for a RWC attendance.
Prior to last night’s game the record stood at 81,350, the number who saw Australia beat Argentina 24-8 in the opening game of Rugby World Cup 2003 on 10 October.
And it all happens again tonight for the much anticipated second semi final between France and England.
The live sites and the Rugby Zone will be up and running for all three remaining RWC matches.