Want to get match ready, but feeling lost?

Set your alarm, squeeze into your black and white jersey – it’s time for the boys in black to defend their title. With the Rugby World Cup starting shortly, 2019 is not the year to let tech get the better of you.

Last year, Spark and TVNZ won the rights to exclusively broadcast all 48 Rugby World Cup matches live on their new online streaming service, Spark Sport. You don’t have to be a Spark broadband customer to use the streaming service, but it’ll be the only way you’ll be able to view the matches live.

To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the action, here’s what you’ll need to do to get you – and your tech – match-ready.

Strong start with a good connection

Nothing would be worse than your internet connection cutting out…just as Beauden Barrett’s about to kick a match-winning conversion!

The first thing you need to do is make sure you have the best available broadband connection. Fibre is New Zealand’s fastest and best option on the market for a big-screen streaming experience. Fibre broadband plans are easy to come by – but you need fibre installed first. If you’re not sure whether you have fibre, get in touch with your internet provider to check.

If fibre hasn’t been installed at your place – but it’s available – you can request for it to be installed. This process can take up to 15 days, so be smart and get in early – don’t try and compete with every other rugby fan who needs fibre too.

Speed and capacity – winning combo

Streaming sport requires a fast and reliable internet connection – and lots of data. If you plan on hosting at your house, multiple people on multiple devices will only gobble up precious game data.

Once you’ve had fibre installed, you’ll want to make sure you opt for a fibre broadband plan that has plenty of speed and capacity. Choose a 100Mbps or above plan with unlimited data – that’s plenty for crystal-clear viewing, even with the grandkids checking Facebook every two seconds.

Straight into your living room

Now that you’re connected, and your internet is running faster than Rieko Ioane, you need a streaming device: a casting stick, streaming box or Smart TV.

A casting stick is controlled by a smartphone or tablet and plugs straight into the back of your TV – a great option for TVs in bedrooms or rumpus rooms. Streaming boxes are controlled by a remote and plug into your TV. Smart TVs don’t require any extra hardware because they support a wide range of streaming apps. All three will work best when connected directly to your modem with an ethernet cable.

Get your fan pass

Last, but certainly not least, you’ll need to sign up to streaming service Spark Sport and buy a tournament pass so you can start watching. Early-bird tournament passes are available until September 10 for $79.99. You can purchase your tournament pass or a single-match pass at any time during the Rugby World Cup.