Where to watch the RWC final on Sunday

(File)
(File)

It is the occasion our little sporting nation has been feverishly waiting for.

This Sunday, our mighty All Blacks go head-to-head with Australia's Wallabies in a battle for rugby supremacy.

While not everybody is a full-time rugby fanatic, the Rugby World Cup final is always entangled with an undeniable outpouring of national pride.

Despite the early morning rise, it is fairly safe to say that most Kiwis will drag themselves out of the clutches of sleep, and either flick on the TV at home or head down the road to the pub.

If you are one of the many planning to endeavour out of the comfort of your bed tomorrow morning, but haven't quite decided where to watch the game – here is a list of a few spots supporting our boys in black.

O'Hagans – 103 Customs St, Auckland CBD

O'Hagans is going full black for the Sunday rugby fiasco, but Australians are more than welcome too.

It promises a brilliant atmosphere and will be open all the way through Saturday night. The classic pub is putting on a full spread of alcohol, coffee and an Irish breakfast in a bap for those who aren't too nervous to eat.

As with most bars, O'Hagans says it'll be best to get in early as it expects to reach capacity.

Empire Tavern – 137 Victoria St

If the pope is catholic, then the Empire Tavern is definitely open for the grand finale.

While you can expect to see a swathe of All Black support, the pub's owner, Mary, promises Australians will not be judged – too much.

The iconic city pub will open at 4am and is serving alcohol, food and coffee.

No reservations are being taken for the Empire Tavern, so it is first in first served. Capacity is 420 people, which the bar says they will fill easily.

Elephant Wrestler – 138 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna

This bar is already at full capacity and has been for a few weeks, but there are a couple of tables leftover for very early walk-ins.

It's open from 4am and promises to be the top spot in Takapuna come game day.

The Apothecary – 27 Picton St, Howick

For those out east Auckland, there the Apothecary is open from 4am on Sunday.

It's fully licensed and will have a fully functioning café and kitchen from the moment the doors open. For those who order the big breakfast before half-time, they have the chance to redeem a full refund on their food come the full-time whistle if the All Blacks lose. God forbid it happen, but just keep that in mind.

Wellington

Hotel Bristol – 131-133 Cuba St, Wellington

Hotel Bristol is expecting a full house. Over 800 people have clicked "attending" on the Facebook page, but capacity is only 300 so it'll be a case of first in first served.

The owner said there's heaps of big screen TVs, so no matter where you are in the bar you'll be able to get a good view. Even though they'll be blacked out in support, they say Australian fans are welcome.

JJ Murphy & Co – 119 Cuba St, Wellington

Just down the road, JJ Murphy & Co is expecting a similar turn out. They're serving a $10 big breakfast from 4am. The manager said he couldn't count how many people he'd had to turn down who had tried to make a booking.

He also said, being an Irish pub, they’ve been a "neutral" place for people to watch all of the games during the Rugby World Cup. "We like everybody, everyone is welcome," so this may be the place to go if you're sporting a yellow and green jersey on Sunday morning.

Mac's Brew Bar – 4 Taranaki St, Wellington

If you want to watch the sunrise over the harbour while catching all the action on the field, Mac's Brew Bar on Taranaki Street might be the place for you. They're open at 4am, but aren't taking any bookings. They recommend getting down there early to secure yourself a table.

Monteith's Brew Bar – 53 Merrin St, Christchurch

Barbara from Monteith's Brew Bar says they've already got 90 people booked in, and with a capacity of just 200 inside, we're sure it'll fill very quickly. They'll be serving bacon and egg sandwiches, bacon butties, coffee, beer and champagne from 4:30am and although they’re not expecting any Australian supporters, they’re more than welcome.

Becks Southern Alehouse – 155 Colombo St, Christchurch

Jan from Beck's says the place is already half booked and they're expecting a big turnout. From 4:30am, a special big breakfast will be on offer, along with lots of coffee. They'll be waving the black and white flag, so it's expected if any Australians turn up, they’ll be "keeping a low profile".

The Terrace Restaurant and Bar – 6 The Octagon, Dunedin

A bit further south in Dunedin, The Terrace Restaurant and Bar will have their doors wide open right through the night. They're expecting "everyone" to be there, and being one of around five places open, that may very well be true. The coffee machine will be churning and a full breakfast selection will be on offer. The manager says "anyone and everyone are welcome… Aussies can expect a bit of friendly banter though". They’ve got plenty of televisions for everyone to come together and watch.

The Bog – 387 George St, Dunedin

Over on George St, The Bog will be serving breakfast specials and "good coffee" from 3:30am. A "really good atmosphere" is promised, and it's expected it'll be packed to the brim with keen fans, both the "regular crowd" and visitors. The Bog will be donning full black in support of our boys, but "of course we'll welcome Aussies – as long as they're open to a bit of banter, and teasing when they lose," the manager said.

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