THE worst-kept secret in local rugby circles has at last been laid to rest with the official announcement yesterday that the Springboks will play the All Blacks at Soccer City on August 21.
THE worst-kept secret in local rugby circles has at last been laid to rest with the official announcement yesterday that the Springboks will play the All Blacks at Soccer City on August 21.
The game was scheduled to be played at Ellis Park. Speculation in recent weeks suggested a shift to Soweto after the success of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union playing their Super 14 semifinal and final matches at Orlando Stadium.
Speaking at the Johannesburg Zoo, SA Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins emphasised how important the day will be in South Africa's sporting history.
"I speak on behalf of all South Africans that this is going to be a historical day for us," Hoskins said. "I really look forward to this and commend the Lions Rugby Union for taking this important step, which affords us the opportunity to have a packed 94000 supporters watching the game."
"It is certainly going to be something special and we want to continue the momentum created by the Super 14 matches.
"It's a logical sequence that the all-important Springbok and All Black match be played there," Hoskins said.
Prices for 9000 tickets have been reduced to R350 - the lowest for a Springbok Test since 2005 - while 5000 tickets will be sold exclusively through Computicket for just R100, from July 26.
For those who wish to take their vuvuzelas to the game - forget it!
Saru has decided that the popular musical instrument will not be allowed at the match.
"During the Super 14 final it had an effect on the lineout calls and communication with the referee was difficult," he said.
"It's not a case of rugby hating the vuvuzela. In fact rugby supporters have embraced it. We will keep an open mind in future and see what happens."
Boks lure All Blacks to Soweto
THE worst-kept secret in local rugby circles has at last been laid to rest with the official announcement yesterday that the Springboks will play the All Blacks at Soccer City on August 21.
THE worst-kept secret in local rugby circles has at last been laid to rest with the official announcement yesterday that the Springboks will play the All Blacks at Soccer City on August 21.
The game was scheduled to be played at Ellis Park. Speculation in recent weeks suggested a shift to Soweto after the success of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union playing their Super 14 semifinal and final matches at Orlando Stadium.
Speaking at the Johannesburg Zoo, SA Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins emphasised how important the day will be in South Africa's sporting history.
"I speak on behalf of all South Africans that this is going to be a historical day for us," Hoskins said. "I really look forward to this and commend the Lions Rugby Union for taking this important step, which affords us the opportunity to have a packed 94000 supporters watching the game."
"It is certainly going to be something special and we want to continue the momentum created by the Super 14 matches.
"It's a logical sequence that the all-important Springbok and All Black match be played there," Hoskins said.
Prices for 9000 tickets have been reduced to R350 - the lowest for a Springbok Test since 2005 - while 5000 tickets will be sold exclusively through Computicket for just R100, from July 26.
For those who wish to take their vuvuzelas to the game - forget it!
Saru has decided that the popular musical instrument will not be allowed at the match.
"During the Super 14 final it had an effect on the lineout calls and communication with the referee was difficult," he said.
"It's not a case of rugby hating the vuvuzela. In fact rugby supporters have embraced it. We will keep an open mind in future and see what happens."
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos