Kiwi fans adapt for the boys in black   5 Oct 2015

Kiwi fans adapt for the boys in black

PAK’nSAVE survey findings reveal:

• A quarter of New Zealand will be watching the tournament live

• Nearly half of those watching live matches will be waking up just in time for the haka

• Only 10% will be staying up all night to catch a game

• Two thirds of New Zealand will be cheering on their team with a cup of tea or coffee

• Regardless of the time, a third of Kiwis will be fueling their excitement with bacon and eggs

• Pyjamas are the dress code for a third of fans this tournament

What a difference four years and a hemisphere can make; New Zealand fans will be waiting until the last moment, tucking into a kiwi fry-up and watching games in their pyjamas.

The rugby tournament may be 11,000kms from our shores, but Kiwis are once again proving that they are an unquestionably devoted nation. The 12-hour time difference and lack of sleep won’t stop us cheering on our boys in black.

However, fans will be squeezing in every last second of sleep before kick-off according to a recent PAK’nSAVE survey. Forty nine per cent of respondents will be using the haka as a wake-up call rather than setting the alarm for the pre-match banter. Employers across New Zealand have been mindful of productivity during the tournament, but only 10% of those surveyed planned to stay up all night and 27% plan to watch full games delayed at a more convenient time.

When the nation does manage to get itself out of bed, it won’t be with a wine or pint glass in our hand. Seventy per cent of Kiwis will be reaching for a good old cup of tea or coffee to see them through the game. Only 14% of those surveyed will be cheering on their team with a beer or wine.

To feed our stomachs and fuel our excitement, almost a third of New Zealand sports fans will be enjoying a Kiwi fry-up of bacon and eggs, closely followed by toast (29%) or classic chips and dip (27%).

Commenting on the national survey, Chris Quin, CEO, Foodstuffs North Island said, “This tournament is close to the heart of so many New Zealanders. Four years ago the country was alight with excitement and national pride. It’s great to see that 11,000km and a 12-hour time difference is bringing out the best in our rugby fanatics and we are all adapting to support our boys. “

“Apart from the first game between Argentina and New Zealand, I am leaning towards delayed coverage, but I will be setting the alarm when we go to the quarter finals and beyond.”

Unsurprisingly the PAK’nSAVE survey confirmed New Zealand really is home to some of the world’s biggest rugby union fans. Forty nine per cent of respondents claimed to be either ‘rugby obsessed’ or a ‘rugby fan’ and will definitely be watching as many games as possible. Another 11% will become ‘tournament experts’; those who will be fanatical for the duration of the competition.

“Of course there is always people that take a different view and that is part what makes New Zealand such a great place. Seven per cent of those we spoke to claimed to be ‘rugby opposed’ and excited for the tournament to end. There is a growing suspicion this group are in fact England fans,” said Chris.

One benefit of the time difference is there is no need to try to dress to impress this tournament. Thirty two per cent of respondents planned to watch games in their pyjamas, followed by dressing gown and slippers (17%), an official team rugby jersey (15%), a duvet (11%), whatever they could find at the hour of the morning (11%), anything in team colours (9%), work or school clothes (3%) or a lucky outfit (2%).

As a result of the survey, PAK’nSAVEs around the country have ensured that tea, coffee and breakfast foods are well stocked and readily available for all avid rugby fans.

PAK'nSAVE Rugby Survey Summary

ENDS

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