Leaving RWC games in Christchurch too risky

The Rugby World Cup games scheduled for the AMI Christchurch Stadium have been moved to other venues.  This sour news given to Canterburians on Wednesday is truly disappointing, yet understandable.  With the damage to the stadium from the February earthquake being quite substantial and the repairing of the damage needing an indeterminate amount  of time; the only option was to remove the games from Christchurch.

"Eden Park is confirmed as the venue for the quarter-finals of October 8 and 9 and a decision regarding where the five pool matches will now be played will be taken jointly by the Tournament’s partners as soon as feasibly possible, likely before the end of March." - rugbyworldcup.com

It would be nice to see some inspiring ads for Canterbury, NZ

When we are visiting the South Island in October, we want to visit the Chirstchurch area; not for the spectacle of the earthquake, but to enjoy some of Christchurch's hospitality.  Let there be a flood of international visitors  making their way to Christchurch and supporting the local businesses. 

The game between Japan and New Zealand will also have special meaning for both teams and is of particular interest to me.  We all have seen the devastation from the earthquakes in both countries and I would guess there will be some special ceremony to acknowledge the suffering each country has endured this year.  For me, celebrating the tournament at this moment is a little more reigned in and sobering.