British and Irish Lions

The Westpac Stadium in Wellington and Christchurch's AMI Stadium beat bids from Auckland - North Harbour and Eden Park - and Hamilton's Waikato Stadium.

Rugby New Zealand (RNZ) 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden said: "This decision gives fans in the Wellington and Christchurch regions something really special to look forward to in 2011.

"The quarter-final weekends in both cities will be tremendous sporting and festival occasions."

Eden Park will host the finals, semi-finals and third place play-off.

Michael Hooper believes the British & Irish Lions' defeat to the Brumbies has given the Qantas Wallabies a boost ahead of Saturday's first Test in Brisbane.

Less than 24 hours after losing their unbeaten record in Canberra, the British & Irish Lions were given a huge boost on arrival in Brisbane when Wales wing George North was declared fit to play in the first Test on Saturday.

Qantas Wallaby wonder scrum half Will Genia is ready to torment the British & Irish Lions and end any hopes of a first Test series win in 16 years this month.