Party Atmosphere For Rugby World Cup And Grand Central Opening Weekend

27 September 2015, 11:07 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

It was a party atmosphere in Birmingham for the city's first ever Rugby World Cup match and the first weekend since the new Grand Central shopping centre had opened.

Thousands used the newly re-vamped New Street Station to get to the city.

On the pitch South Africa beat Samoa 46-6 at Villa Park to win their first game of the competition having been beaten by Japan the week before.

The springboks fans seemed to enjoy both the rugby and Birmingham itself.

One said: "Amazing game I loved every moment of it.

"It's fantastic, absolutely, atmosphere was amazing it took my breath away and I loved every moment of it."

Another was impressed by New Street Station: "Nice station it looks fab.

"It's awesome, it went well, I went through the barriers no problem, no complaints.

"I asked the guys they were very friendly they helped me in the right direction.

"To see 39,000 turn up for a game it's more than a football match here - wicked!"

Others thought the stadium should be used for Rugby more often.

They said: "A real turn around from last week we've been absolutely battered by English supporters this entire week and I think we've made our point this week."

"It's been fantastic, Brum has been very welcoming and I think they should play more Rugby here to be honest, less football [...laughs]."

The mood in the fanzone for England supporters was spoiled slightly though as Wales came back from 19-9 down to win 25-28 at Twickenham.

It means to reach the quarter-finals England will probably have to beat Australia who are playing Uruguay at Villa Park today (27 September).