The 2011 Rugby World Cup is exactly one year away today and excitement is building all over planet rugby, especially in New Zealand.

The 2011 tournament opens on September 9, 2011 when the hosts take on Tonga at Eden Park in Auckland.

Two days later the defending champions South Africa begin the defence of their crown against Wales in Wellington.

The tournament concludes six weeks later back at Eden Park for the final (October 23).

Should the seedings go to expectation the hosts will meet the Springboks in the semi-finals.

Tournament Organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011) says preparations are well on track for New Zealand to stage an excellent Tournament.

"The foundations are being laid for a Tournament all New Zealanders will be proud of," said RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden.

"The Stadium of Four Million is coming alive, something we see every week as we travel through New Zealand.

"Communities, Rugby clubs and other organisations up and down New Zealand are really getting behind this Tournament and the opportunity it provides to showcase our country to the world.

Despite an world-wide financial crisis and the earthquake that hit Canterbury last week, IRB President and RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset has backed the host to put on a great show.

"I have no doubt that it will be a resounding success," he said.

"Planning and preparations are at an advanced stage, the commercial programme is on track and as the countdown enters its final year, the global Rugby community awaits a tournament that will provide the seventh chapter of the RWC story in a country that is totally immersed in Rugby's tradition and culture."

The Canterbury earthquake has obviously provided a significant hurdle for the organisers, but Snedden has reassured fans that they "at this stage there is nothing to suggest the region will not be able to play its part in hosting this event."

"We are monitoring potential impacts on our planning for RWC 2011, but...Stadium Christchurch, venue for seven RWC 2011 matches, was given the all clear by structural engineers [on Wednesday] and that is great news," he added.

"We also acknowledge that people have much on their plate at the moment so we have decided to make a special allocation of tickets for Christchurch matches which will be made available at a later date."

Martin Snedden said much progress has been made at every level over the past year in terms of delivering the Tournament.

"Eden Park will be open for business on October 10 and that is a great achievement," he said.

"All other major stadia redevelopments will be finished this year and the new Otago Stadium is on track for completion next year.

"[Friday] marks another milestone when applications open for Phase 2 of ticketing - individual match tickets. This is the last chance to enter the ballot for semi-final and Final tickets so we urge fans to take advantage of this four week period to apply.

"Phase 1 sales were in line with expectations with 503,000 tickets sold, including sales to 20,000 fans living overseas."

Meanwhile, the defending champions have also started their campaign to unite South Africa behind their team.

It will be the Springboks' fifth tilt at the title and, having won the title twice already, they will be chasing the added distinction of becoming the first nation to successfully defend the Webb Ellis Cup.

"It may seem a long way away of after such disappointing results in the Tri-Nations, but the lesson of history is that the Springboks have every chance of retaining the Rugby World Cup," said South African Rugby Union President Oregan Hoskins.