Christchurch Rugby World Cup Games hinge on engineering reports

Engineering reports expected in coming days on Christchurch's earthquake-damaged AMI Stadium are likely to dictate whether the city can play host to the Rugby World Cup.

The stadium earmarked to host pool matches and quarter-finals in the tournament starting in less than six months has structural damage to at least two stands, and "significant" liquefaction damage to the playing surface, which Prime Minister John Key said could take months to address.

Prime Minister Key says that the decision over Christchurch's hosting rights will ultimately be taken by the International Rugby Board, but he said if the stadium could be repaired in time, other pressing issues could be dealt with.

Prime Minister Key explained "we need to deal with accommodation issues and we need to deal with bars and restaurants and the like - I think we can address those issues. But we can't do that unless we have a stadium that gets the tick-off.

"We won't have a clear answer for a couple of weeks, but we are getting closer."

Vbase, which manages the stadium, told local media that it planned to release fresh information on the state of the stadium later this week or early next week.

Vbase Chief Executive Bryan Pearson explained "it's important to do the detailed work, so we are dealing with facts rather than speculation."

An initial assessment of the stadium after the quake had revealed some repairable structural damage, and the liquefaction affecting the stadium inside and out.

"What the implications are of that, we don't know," Pearson added.

Prime Minister Key said he was aware of damage to the Hadlee and Deans Stands in the stadium, and the liquefaction damage to the playing surface "which means it needs to be rebuilt (which) takes quite a number of months."

Rugby World Cup Ltd said it would be inappropriate to speculate on Christchurch's ability to host the world cup until an "extensive review and assessment" was completed. This could also take several weeks.

Rugby New Zealand 2011 spokesman Mike Jaspers stated "it is clear there has been damage to Stadium Christchurch, accommodation and other infrastructure. However, no decision will be taken about the RWC 2011 matches scheduled to be held in Christchurch until accurate and confirmed information has been received and analysed following the completion of the currently ongoing full assessment.

"Whatever the outcome, all 48 matches will be hosted in New Zealand and the tournament will kick off on 9th September."

Meanwhile Prime Minister Key has denied the government is preparing for a blowout of the financial loss on the Rugby World Cup. Before the both quakes the shortfall was estimated to be about $40 million, which the government has partially underwritten.

"We'd never be happy for that loss to grow," Prime Minister Key explained, adding "the reality is we are hosting the tournament, we hope to minimise the loss. In fact we hope to make a gain for New Zealand overall when everything is put into the pot."

It is estimated Christchurch could lose around $50 million if the games must be moved from the city.

Image shows the recently completed Deans Stand at AMI Stadium prior to the recent earthquake.

2nd March 2011 - DOUBTS OVER CHRISTCHURCH RUGBY WORLD CUP MATCHES

25th January 2010 - AMI STADIUM UNVEILS SHOWPIECE DEANS STAND