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Springboks to face All Blacks in Soweto

8 July 2010

The Springboks will begin the home leg of their 2010 Tri-Nations rugby campaign at Soccer City Stadium just outside Soweto – venue for the final match of the 2010 Fifa World Cup – a decision accompanied by some big bonuses for fans and for the game.

The Boks, under coach Peter de Villiers, will play New Zealand at the venue, which is set to be renamed National Stadium after the Fifa World Cup, following a ground-breaking decision reached this week by the South African Rugby Union and the Golden Lions Rugby Union.

The game had been scheduled to be played at Ellis Park in central Johannesburg.

The decision followed the success of Soweto's Orlando Stadium in hosting the Super 14 final between the Bulls and the Stormers. Fans, and the game of rugby in South Africa, are set to be the winners, as:

'Historic'

"This is a historic day and one in which the whole of South Africa can celebrate," said Oregan Hoskins, the President of the South African Rugby Union.

"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."

The Golden Lions had been informally discussing the idea of playing the fixture at the National Stadium for a year, and had the prerogative to make the final decision.

'Delighted'

"I am delighted to say that the Lions needed no encouragement from SARU to make the switch," said Hoskins. "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 key stakeholders, such as sponsors, suite and season ticket holders, and the rugby clubs of the Golden Lions Rugby Union.

"The only thing that surprised us was the near unanimity of our stakeholders in embracing this decision," said De Klerk.

'Positive'

"The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive and as much as we love Coca-Cola Park there was widespread agreement that we must take such a significant rugby match to one of the best stadiums not just in South Africa but in the world.

"I'd particularly like to thank key sponsors Coca-Cola, Bidvest and Macsteel for coming to the party and to the City of Johannesburg and Stadium Management SA for assisting us in making this match possible.

"They have had to make major sacrifices on some of their contractual rights, but the way they have supported us in recognising the potential benefits of this move – not just for rugby but for South Africa – has been magnificent.

"The match would also not have been possible without the vision and support of Stadium Management SA who have been prominent in driving the process of hosting the test at National Stadium."

Tickets

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 as part of the Union's season ticket pricing.

"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. 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.

"And to offer the opportunity to the local community to see the Springboks – possibly for the first time – we have 5 000 tickets available at just R100, as well as normally priced tickets, available through Computicket outlets only in Soweto."

A second release of tickets may be made at a later stage, depending on the uptake of stakeholders.

Tickets for the match are available through Computicket channels (Computicket outlets, Money Market counters in Shoprite Checkers and Checkers Hyper stores; online at Computicket or through the Computicket Call Centre on 083 915 8000. They go on sale on Monday, 12 July.

National Stadium factfile

SAinfo reporter