Tri-Nations
Soweto Test biggest in 55yrs
2010-07-07 18:17
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Oregan Hoskins (Gallo Images)
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Johannesburg - The Springboks will play the New Zealand All Blacks at Soccer City on August 21 in what is expected to attract the largest crowd for a rugby Test match in South Africa in 55 years.
"This is an historic day and one in which the whole of South Africa can celebrate," South African Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins said in a statement.
"Taking the Springboks to what is already an iconic world venue gives our players and supporters the best stage on which to enjoy rugby. But it also allows us to continue the nation building through sport that we have enjoyed throughout the FIFA World Cup."
Soccer City, with 94 700 seats, will host the Soccer World Cup final on Sunday.
Hosting the rugby Test match at the stadium created the potential for the largest crowd at a home Springbok Test since 1955, when an estimated 95 000 people attended the SA vs Lions Test at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Some 9 000 tickets for the game against the All Blacks will be sold for R350 - the lowest price for a major Springbok Test since 2005.
The Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) had been informally discussing the idea of playing this fixture at Soccer City, which would be renamed to the National Stadium, for the past year.
"I am delighted to say that the Lions needed no encouragement from SARU to make the switch," Hoskins said.
"It has presented logistical and contractual challenges to them, but I would like to commend Lions president Kevin de Klerk, and his team for their determination to make this dream a reality."
De Klerk said the decision had only been taken after consultations with sponsors, suite and season ticket holders and the GLRU's clubs.
"The only thing that surprised us was the near unanimity of our stakeholders in embracing this decision."
De Klerk said the Lions had opted for a differential ticket pricing system - in line with the FIFA model - in the hope of producing a sell-out crowd.
The price of standard tickets is R500 - a price that was locked in before the start of the season.
"Sports fans have had to dig deep over the past few weeks and we know how much it has cost families to watch the World Cup," de Klerk said.
"But a family of four can come to see the Springboks play the All Blacks in what is likely to be John Smit's 100th Test at one of the best facilities in the world for R1 400 in total - and that includes parking."