Rugby is a minor sport in the states where the match is being shown live. It's pretty much non existant outside of NSW / QLD / ACT. If you can't justify the expense of Foxtel, there are plenty of pubs and clubs that will show the match live.
I'm with fatprop - Foxtel do a great job of broadcasting the rugby. Entire Super Rugby was live, and more importantly, uninterrupted. I couldn't believe they go to an advert during origin whenever something happens. Fox have a HD channel showing the Rugby World Cup 24x7 - can't wait
Moses - a new major stat has arrived, and one I am thrilled about (for all of Aus rugby's future), namely: t
he Reds v Cru GF on Saturday achieved the biggest ever audience - 518,000 - for a sports event in the history of Pay TV in Australia, man this is a major development, and this figure is materially understated as it does not include either (a) records and watch later via IQ and (b) Foxtel to pubs, clubs etc.
Not only are those sorts of figures likely to have big sponsors salivating for a piece of these higher-end demography eyeballs, but over the next TV rights buying cycle, these levels (if continued) could just pull free to air TV back into the game. Just add to this the fact that the ground atmosphere was phenomenal and this largely came through on the Foxtel broadcast. TV buyers know that really good sports spectacles with full, cheering stadia drive viewer engagement and repeat use.
(PS - Great to meet you on Saturday, thanks for making the trip up, I had the sense that you somewhat enjoyed yourself. :yay )