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Springboks, All Blacks to meet in Soweto

27 July 2012

Tickets for the Springboks' final match of the Castle Rugby Championship, against New Zealand at FNB Stadium on 6 October, will go on sale on Wednesday, 1 August. The previous meeting between the teams at the venue, which marked John Smit's 100th test for the Boks, drew a massive 94 713 spectators.

Unfortunately for Smit, the most capped test rugby captain in history, the All Blacks triumphed 29-22 in that August 2010 clash.

Soweto had earlier in the year hosted the Super 14 rugby final between the Bulls and the Stormers at the Orlando Stadium. The move to the FNB Stadium for the test between test rugby's two most successful nations proved to a masterstroke, which drew praise from far and wide.

Castle Rugby Championship

This season will be the inaugural one for the Castle Rugby Championship. The Tri-Nations of the past has been expanded to four teams, with Argentina's Pumas joining the Springboks, All Blacks and Wallabies in a battle for southern hemisphere supremacy.

The South African Rugby Union (Saru) said in a statement that 61 000 tickets would go on sale for October’s showdown between South Africa and New Zealand, priced at R450 each. They will be available from all Computicket outlets at Shoprite, Checkers and House & Home stores as part of a three-tier pricing structure.

Almost 7 000 tickets will go on sale exclusively in Soweto at R250 each. Details of the issue of these tickets will follow at a later stage.

A further 11 000 premium priced tickets at R600 will also go on general sale.

Team sponsor savings

The Springboks' team sponsor, Absa, has also introduced a unique initiative which offers supporters a 10% saving on all categories of tickets if they bank with Absa. All Absa debit, cheque and credit card holders will be eligible to the discount when purchasing tickets.

In addition, holders of Absa Springbok credit cards will not only be eligible for the 10% discount, but they will also be able to take advantage of a 24-hour early-bird window to book their tickets from 31 July. Tickets are limited to six per cardholder on all offers.

There are also a limited number of tickets available as part of hospitality packages - costing from R2 700 - which offer a prime viewing seat as well as parking, a meal, full local bar and commemorative gift.

"The special discount is a unique offering to our many supporters and enhances our relationship with our proud team sponsor, Absa," said Saru's Andy Marinos.

'We expect demand to be high'

"We expect demand to be high for the match, but we have pegged the bulk of the tickets at R450 - less than the normal price when the Springboks take on New Zealand.

"We have also made R250 tickets available only through outlets in the community, as well as offering a 10% discount to Absa cardholders."

Absa credit card holders can book their early bird tickets from 09:00 on Tuesday, 31 July 31. General sales open at 09:h00 on Wednesday, 1 August at Computicket outlets, by telephone (0861-915-8000) and on the Computicket website.

Hospitality packages can be booked through SAIL on 081 486 3823 or bookings@sail.co.za, or visit www.sail.co.za to book online.

Tickets will not be on sale through Saru's offices or directly from Soccer City.

CASTLE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
Springbok Fixtures

SAinfo reporter