60,000 watch Rugby World Cup opening ceremony and match

8:54 am on 21 September 2019

Spark Sport says almost 60,000 customers watched the live stream of the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony and the first match.

Japan's Yutaka Nagare 
Japan vs Russia
2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A, Tokyo Stadium, Japan 20/9/2019

Japan beat Russia in the opening match of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Photosport / INPHO / Craig Mercer

But some fans took to social media last night reporting problems, including images freezing or glitches to their stream.

Some fans said the streaming service froze for up to a minute during last night's game, won by the hosts Japan, while others complained of poor quality video or not being able to stream at all.

Spark said less than 1 percent of those watching experienced technical problems mostly relating to in-home set up.

Overall, it was pleased with the number of people who watched online, especially as the coverage was live and free to air on TVNZ.

More customers are expected to watch the three matches being streamed live today, including the All Blacks' opening world cup match tonight against South Africa at 9.45pm.

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