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Where to catch the Rugby World Cup


Can't make it to France? Put off by the frog legs and Burgundy snails? Or just deterred by the common cliches of overpoweringly arrogant Gauls? Regardless of your reasons, rest assured that you have made the right decision; for if ever there's a nation that can turn up the rugby fever, it's the good old land of Oz.

So, if you're keen to soak up the action in the company of other like-minded rugby heads, then go to a bar where rugby is top priority. Here are a few venues that pledge to have the big game on and the volume turned up.

1
 
College Lawn Hotel
Prahran
Rugby union fans rejoice. The College Lawn Hotel is one of those rare Melbourne venues that show live matches. Get in early on match day; standing room on the footpath outside is all that's offered to those who are tardy. Asahi, Guinness, Heineken, Tooheys New, Hahn Premium and Carlton all flow on tap.

2
 
Coopers Alehouse at the Earl
Adelaide
Coopers Alehouse is Adelaide's unofficial spiritual home for rugby supporters and, of course, the official home of Coopers beer. The growing popularity of rugby union in South Australia means that there's barely any standing room in here during international matches, but who really cares when you're rubbing shoulders with other like-minded sports nuts, spilling beer together with excitement when a try is scored?

3
 
Cargo Bar
Darling Harbour
Launching with the aptly named Cargo Bar Live Site, this waterside bar promises to liven up King Street Wharf by displaying all the action on its seven indoor and outdoor screens. If that's not enough to entice, the extra promise of free beer till first points are scored (during selected games) will certainly seal the deal.

4
 
Wallaby Bar
Darling Harbour
Yes, this bar loves its rugby union and it isn't afraid to pay tribute to the national team. Expect big screen coverage when games are on. The venue also morphs into a nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights.

5
 
Beach Road Hotel
Bondi Beach
This is the place where Kiwis usually go to cheer on their team without getting sledged by Aussies. Yet with hordes of backpackers calling Bondi home, you can also expect packs of Brits to get in on the action. Let the heckling begin.

6
 
Jubilee Hotel
Fortitude Valley
The Jubilee Hotel is a magnet for sports nuts. It features several large TV screens throughout and is committed to all the Foxtel sports channels. The Corner Bar is the hotel's official sports bar and it's dedicated to all things booted, kicked and pitched. The walls are covered with sports memorabilia and there's also a TAB.

7
 
One World Sport
Parramatta
Open 24 hours on weekends, this venue can get loud and crazy when sports mania reaches fever pitch. Keep an eye out for the frequent drink specials.

8
 
The Brass Monkey
Northbridge
Rugby action is all-important at the Sports Bar section within the Brass Monkey. Chesterfields make it extra comfy but probably won't stop you from jumping up and down when the game gets exciting.