South African Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe presented New Zealand Prime Minister John Key with a South African scarf while he in return received an All Blacks rugby jersey during an official visit by the deputy president to New Zealand to mark the opening of the event.

Meanwhile back in South Africa High Commissioner Dr Geoff Randal of New Zealand to South Africa hosted an 'Open House' to witness the opening of the Rugby World Cup 2011 and to watch the first game, New Zealand vs Tonga. Ambassadors and High Commissioners of the participating nations joined the occasion.

Twenty rugby playing nations will participate in the event from the 9th of September to the 23rd of October.

See match schedule below.