Countdown to kickoff

Key stakeholders brave the rain at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin yesterday, marking today's milestone of 500 days until the Rugby World Cup 2011 tournament begins in New Zealand.

• Private sector funding may hit $10m 

With the giant ticket are (from left) Highlanders and Otago Rugby Football Union marketing manager Doug McSweeney, Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML) marketing and communications manager Jo Scully, Tourism Dunedin media and industry co-ordinator James Columb and Dunedin City Council Rugby World Cup 2011 regional co-ordinator Kim Newman.

DVML chief executive David Davies said stadium construction remained "on track" for completion in August 2011, in time to host Cup matches.