All hands on deck in bars and restaurants across the country today .. starting with the opening Rugby World Cup game this morning

The All Blacks are taking on hosts, France in the opening pool game.

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Amendment Bill's also been passed, meaning businesses can serve some alcoholic beverages a bit earlier than normal.

Auckland's Kingslander Bar owner Steve Gillet says today's a busy day for his team - and seats are filling fast.

He says they're putting on a big buffet breakfast and have eight staff on to feed all the punters - and pour beers.