Rugby Union - New Zealand PM John Key waits on Christchurch decision

A decision as to whether Christchurch's earthquake-damaged rugby stadium can be repaired sufficiently to host World Cup matches, will be made within weeks.

The New Zealand Prime Minister John Key stated that the condition of the AMI Stadium will determine if the city is able to host matches as scheduled.

Damage caused by the earthquake on 22 February meant the facility was closed so it could be inspected.

Key said: "The biggest issue is ultimately the stadium."

Key commented that Christchurch's chance of hosting five group matches and two quarter-finals was not "looking bleaker" but there were several issues to be addressed before a definite answer could be given.

The tournament runs from 9 September to 23 October and the first match scheduled for Christchurch is England's Pool B meeting with Argentina on 10 September.

It is also set to stage Australia versus Italy on 11 September, England are scheduled to face Georgia on 18 September, Argentina against Scotland seven days later and Australia take on Russia on 1 October.

In addition, two quarter-finals have been pencilled in for Lancaster Park on 8 and 9 October.

Stadium operator Vbase said that in the aftermath of the earthquake that the venue had sustained "minor repairable structural damage" and "substantial damage to the surrounding streets."

Key explained: "There's some damage to the Deans Stand, some damage to the Hadlee Stand, there's some liquefaction outside and the turf has liquefaction damage which means it needs to be rebuilt - and that takes quite a number of months."

He also stated that if the problems with the stadium could be fixed, then other logistical issues could be addressed.

"In the end, if we can get a stadium that operates and everyone is comfortable with then, we need to deal with accommodation issues and with bars, restaurants and the like," he added.

"I think we can address those issues but we can't do that unless we have a stadium that gets a tick off."

The final decision will be made by the IRB (International Rugby Board) and the prime minister said that his government would be working closely with them on all the various issues.