Hi Guys. NZ Herald sports journalist Daniel Richardson here and I will be bringing you live updates from the sevens at Westpac Stadium today
So if you can't get along to the event or want to know even more from inside the Cake Tin as you follow along on your smart phone or tablet, settle in, keep this link live and enjoy yourself
I will do my best to bring in some humour, funny tweets I see online, the on-field action, the off-field action and, of course, some trademark #danalysis
Our first game is underway with Canada playing Scotland
NZ don't play until 3.06pm when they meet Fiji in their Pool B clash
Strolling along the concourse just before had our usual mix of early arrivers, who were caught out by having to go through the turnstiles to get an 18 plus wristband to allow you to drink inside the Cake Tin today. As is always the case there's very few punters here at this stage but it will pick up
Wouldn't mind seeing a bit of a shake-up in general because, essentially, there's nothing drawing people to the stadium earlier than when they've pre-loaded - in their eyes - enough alcohol
Few guys rocking the "Breaking Bad' get up and I am a fan
South Africa are brushing past Portugal here. SA looking very decent heading to the finals tomorrow...
NZ out here warming up to a decent reception. Big game for them v Spain at 5.54pm. Time to get things together
Have spotted some blokes dressed as Power Rangers, sharp form there
If you're betting here, Portugal covered the spread in their loss to South Africa there. I didn't bet it, just mentioning it. Some bird is currently belting out Tina Turner's popular tune "Simply the Best"
Interesting question, Anthony. The problem is you can't discount booze to entice punters earlier due to the Fun Police running New Zealand. I'd suggest something along the lines of giveaways or promos/prizes but make them really interactive with people. Look at the 100k catching comp this summer. That was amazing.
Clearly today's turnout is slightly skewed by the weather too, IMO
Titch just delivered an absolute sermon to NZ in their huddle pitch-side
Titch is wearing the full tracksuit and I am always a fan of someone who does that
England v Wales locked up at 7-7 here mid-way second spell. Rain appears to have finally let up
Oh, and New Zealand play shortly
England have scored copping numerous boos along the way
England are in again and they will book this one. NZ on in 5 minutes
After NZ meet Spain next, I will be taking a short break as I go and talk through NZ's start with Titch and then gobble up some dinner. Hoping for lasagna. Here come NZ now.....
Bruno Mars playing on the loud speakers. It's kind of like being at the halftime show of the Super Bowl, right?
Tomasi Cama playing for NZ in this one after sitting the first game
Stowers in for NZ.... 5-0
Another try for Stowers. Cakewalk time...
Stowers hat-trick. Spain are atrocious
27-0 at the half. This game is done
NZ now up 41-0... shut the gate and all
55-0... this game is over. deadset blowout. biggest win of the day. stay tuned for more on nzherald.co.nz
Tiki Taane is going to perform now at the intermission
There's also a women's exhibition game on now too... Back in to the tournament action at 6.35pm when France meet Fiji
I can reliably report that dinner was an average to above average curry. Back in to action now. Speaking to Titch at the break, he was far more pleased given NZ's win over Spain. He said the wet weather caught his men out in game one as they had to change their boots between warming up and playing to get their longer sprigs on
Certainly do, champ. Like the look of South Africa and Samoa also....
There's the parade of nations on at the moment. Massive pop for NZ. USA got a nice reception and Aussie were given plenty of boos. The refs copped it a bit too. Poor guys
Pretty extensive set from a brass band here. The crowd are all about it. There are also pyrotechnics
These guys are actually exceptional. As another writer suggests "they've stolen the show on day one"
They're the NZ Army band, BTW. Quality set
Is a brass band's efforts called a set? I don't know. I'm running with it
South Africa against England next, 2nd to last game of the night. This has been a long day. NZ out warming up on the sidelines...
England have upset South Africa here. Big win for the English. This is the first time South Africa have lost in the past three torunaments
Right, NZ now playing France. Need to win here to confirm quarter-final spot
Tomasi Cama rested again, Gillies Kaka to start as NZ's playmaker
France playing in their alternate white strip
MIkkelson scores for NZ, they will play from in front
Hi Guys. NZ Herald sports journalist Daniel Richardson here and I will be bringing you live updates from the sevens at Westpac Stadium today