Champions South Africa and contenders Australia open their Rugby World Cup campaigns today against Wales and Italy respectively, while the United States commemorate the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks before taking on Ireland in New Plymouth.
The entire US squad attended a morning church service and both sides will wear black armbands and the crowd will be asked to observe a period of silence to remember the attacks on New York and Washington in which nearly 3,000 people died.
Tri-Nations champions Australia also start their World Cup with a match against Italy at North Harbour Stadium.
Bad weather's forecast for Wellington and the Springboks won't mind that one bit in the final match of the day, with it likely to favour South Africa's grinding game plan when the Cup holders face Wales in a clash that is expected to be crucial for the future direction of Pool D.
