All set for a thrilling finale

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RUGBY fans throughout the world will be glued to their TV screens tomorrow as the All Blacks take on France for the coveted Webb Ellis Cup.

Fans in Malaysia have also not been left out as there are plenty of opportunities to catch the game throughout the country.

Al fresco: To cater to more rugby fans, Cobra has set up a hospitality tent in the car park, complete with a big screen to catch the action.

One venue where the atmosphere will be unbeatable would have to be the Combined Old Boys Rugby Association (Cobra) Club Malaysia premises in Lorong Utara B, off Jalan Utara, in Petaling Jaya.

As the only private rugby club in Malaysia, Cobra has a long pedigree in the sport and is actively involved in promoting it at the grassroots level.

According to club vice-president Col Tommy Pereira, in the last seven years, Cobra has trained 600 teachers as coaches and another 150 teachers as referees in an effort to introduce the game to more schools throughout the country.

With such a commitment to rugby, visitors tomorrow will be in for a thrilling time as the action takes place both on and off the screen.

Throughout the month-long Rugby World Cup 2011, Cobra has been working with Land Rover (M) Sdn Bhd and the New Zealand High Commission to host public screenings of all the matches.

Working together: (From right) Cobra president Boon Hoon Chee, Land Rover managing director Mohd Hazem Abd Rahman and New Zealand High Commissioner David Pine launching the live telecasts at the start of the World Cup.

This Sunday will be slightly different as the screening will take on a charitable focus with Cobra representatives saying that proceeds will be donated to The Prime Minister’s Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust to help in rebuilding the city in New Zealand’s South Island.

From 11am onwards, the Cobra premises will take on a carnival atmosphere with a large hospitality tent set up to allow more fans to join in the activities. Throughout the day, there will be lucky draws and even an auction for a Rugby World Cup jersey.

Carlsberg will be adding to the atmosphere with a special dance presentation and there will be plenty of food for everyone.

Meanwhile, Land Rover Malaysia and the New Zealand High Commission will also be hosting another fund-raiser for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal at the Shangri-La Hotel ballroom in Kuala Lumpur.

Here, rugby fans can enjoy the match on a big screen while sampling a generous buffet spread.

Tickets for this event are priced at RM175nett per person and tickets can be purchased at all Sime Darby Connexion outlets in the Klang Valley or by contacting the High Commission at 03-2074 2533 (ext 107) or e-mail nzhckl@streamyx.com

Former All Black great Craig Dowd will also be present to provide expert commentary throughout the game.

Many other pubs and restaurants in the Klang Valley will also be opening their doors for the event so there will be room for plenty of rugby action tomorrow.