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RWC 2011 opening match between New Zealand and Tonga - Fans Can Vote Online for their Man of the Match

Auckland 9 September 2011 - MasterCard today unveiled its much-anticipated MasterCard Man of the Match Award, to be presented at the end of each Rugby World Cup 2011 game to the player voted the most outstanding by viewers and commentators.

Designed by Maori artists David Hakaraia and Rangi Kipa the award reflects the essence of Maori and the spirit of Rugby and will be presented for the first time at the end of today's RWC 2011 New Zealand v Tonga match at Eden Park in Auckland.

In a Rugby World Cup first, fans around the world will have a voice in selecting the MasterCard Man of the Match to receive this unique award. They can download the Official RWC 2011 mobile application online at www.rugbyworldcup.com/mastercard or go to the MasterCard Club in the Fanzone at Auckland's Queen's Wharf.

"MasterCard is giving rugby fans around the world the chance to be a part of history," Country Manager MasterCard New Zealand Albert Naffah says.

"By voting for the MasterCard Man of the Match, passionate fans can be closer to the action no matter where they are watching the game."

Various Maori design professionals were commissioned through Nga Aho, a prominent national body championing Maori design strategies, to design a Rugby World Cup 2011 award.

Naffah says the MasterCard Man of the Match Award is "distinctly Kiwi", encompassing the Maori cultural integrity of New Zealand.

"Each Man of the Match will take with him a unique symbol of New Zealand and its mana," Naffah says.

"The design also represents MasterCard's goal of 'Witnessing History', acknowledging the accomplishment of the Man of the Match. We think New Zealanders will be very proud of this award," Naffah says.

"Of course, we would be delighted to be able to give the very first award to an All Black!"

The award consists of a toki ceremonial adze and tuawhenua base. The toki poutangata is a ceremonial adze worked from pounamu or jade. It is an acknowledgement of accomplishment carried by a person of mana and great leadership qualities. The tuawhenua base has latitude-longitude coordinates to reference the site of each match in which the award's recipient excelled.

Wellington-based artist David Hakaraia says he has made each award individually for each of the 48 RWC 2011 matches, taking many hours over three months. He has worked with his mentor Rangi Kipa who designed the heart rimu base.

"Each piece will be slightly different because of that. The toki is unique to New Zealand and with the base showing the topography of the area where the game is played, the winner gets to take a piece of that place home with them," Hakaraia says.

Online/download voting details

Fans can go to www.rugbyworldcup.com/mastercard or download the Official RWC 2011 mobile app from www.rugbyworldcup.com/mobileapp and click on "MasterCard Man of the Match" to register their vote.

Voting is open at the beginning of the second half until 10 minutes before the end of regulation. MasterCard will also allow fans to use Facebook to share their vote with friends or engage in a friendly debate about who they think should be the MasterCard Man of the Match.

Fan votes count for one-third of the final tally, with the other two-thirds determined by the world feed commentators.

MasterCard & Rugby World Cup 2011

MasterCard Worldwide is an Official Worldwide Partner and the official payment system of Rugby World Cup 2011.

Rugby World Cup is the crown jewel of the sport. With RWC 2011 held in New Zealand for the first time since the inaugural event in 1987, MasterCard is looking to enhance the

experience for cardholders and fans across the world through its "Witnessing History" campaign platform. Throughout the Tournament, MasterCard is offering priceless experiences to MasterCard cardholders, as well as bringing the rugby action even closer to fans at home through its digital assets.

Beyond its expertise in world-class sponsorship marketing, MasterCard also has a rich heritage of supporting the sport of rugby in the host country. MasterCard has been a sponsor of the New Zealand All Blacks team since 2002. MasterCard is also match sponsor of the Barbarian Internationals for 2009-2010.

About MasterCard

MasterCard (NYSE: MA) is a global payments and technology company. It operates the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard's products and solutions make everyday commerce activities—such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances - easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Learn more at mastercard.com or follow us on Twitter @mastercardnews