They came, they partied and, for the most part they behaved, is the message from Waikato Police winding up from overnight celebrations following the All Black victory in Hamilton.
Officer in charge of the Waikato's Rugby World Cup operation, Inspector John Kelly, said far greater numbers of revellers filled City bars following last night's game than is normal for a Friday night.
"Despite this arrest numbers were on a par with a normal weekend and we put this down to a highly visible Police presence and the positive attitude of the crowd.
"The majority of arrests were for minor disorder and breaches of the liquor ban and while we are very happy with the crowd's behaviour we are concerned with the number of people, particularly young woman, who under the influence of alcohol left themselves in potentially compromising situations."
Mr Kelly said the same highly visible policing presence will be out in Hamilton tomorrow and during and after Sunday afternoon's match and he saw no reason why the Waikato couldn't build on its success.
"We had an arrest free match, good behaviour in town and by ensuring we moderate our drinking and plan ahead how we're getting to and from events I'm sure that success will continue."
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