At the beginning of 2003, Launceston knew little about countries Namibia and Romania.
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By October, Launceston was evenly coated in Romanian and Namibian colours, in preparation for the Rugby Union World Cup to come to the city.
This is according to prominent Launceston sporting figures, who believe the Rugby's success is a good indication of how successful matches in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup would be.
To encouraging hype for the game, then Launceston mayor Janie Finlay decreed that everyone born on an odd day barrack for Romania.
In other news:
Those born on even days would barrack for Namibia.
"It meant that on the night, we had these fans who were really passionate and excited for their team," Cr Finlay said.
"We all know that in sport, having that great atmosphere for sport is really important, but what it did in the weeks and months was really activate the community around the excitement.
"You knew it would have a massive impact on the community."
Despite the lesser known teams playing in Launceston, the game drew a crowd of about 15,000 people to York Park (now UTAS Stadium).
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Sporting administrator Brian Roe said Launceston responded well to the rugby despite the lesser known sides.
He said the city's expectations for the teams playing in the FIFA Women's World Cup would need to be realistic, talent-wise.
"But it's about the moment, it's about the event. It's not about who the teams are," Mr Roe said.
"It is significant that we don't have a rectangular stadium, I understand the arguement that it's inconvenient.
"But the view from the main stand at UTAS is pretty good anyway, if we can find a way to build some on-ground seating on the other sides to create a closer atmosphere, it will be great."
Football Tasmania president Bob Gordon suggested UTAS Stadium place chairs on the turf, similar to the rugby match, to account for playing soccer on an oval.
Mr Roe said if the popularity of the rugby match was anything to go by, the turnout for a more popular sport like soccer would be great.
"Hopefully, we'll get the opportunity again," he said.