Anticipation is building in Port Elizabeth as the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium prepares to host the Springboks and Argentina on August 9 for their Rugby Championship opener.
Considering the good early-season form of the Springboks, who whitewashed France 3-0 in their visit to SA shores in June – and Argentina’s impressive recent record against the Boks, the match is set to be a dramatic showdown between two sides who are keen to progress in the right direction up the world rankings.
The Springboks are undefeated at the venue and will hope to take momentum into the championship, which they created in the French series.
Stadium manager, Mpho Mokonyama, said: “Nelson Mandela Bay has a special charm, so there is no doubt the stories people take back are about how friendly and hospitable the city is.
“Fans can now purchase tickets to the thrill-a-minute rugby test match from the affordable price of R75 (up) to R500.
“As the largest single metro asset, we encourage people to make active use of it, either as an events venue, or as a place to have exhilarating sporting experiences.” added Mokonyama.
SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux said the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is the ideal venue to launch the Springboks’ 2017 Rugby Championship campaign.
“Rugby events in the Eastern Cape region are always well-supported,” said Roux.
“Admission prices for the Springbok versus Pumas Test are very affordable and we expect another bumper spectator turnout for the match.”
Southern Kings chief operations officer, Charl Crous, said rugby fans in the region are eagerly awaiting the return of the Springboks to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium has in the past hosted a number international rugby matches, which include Springbok Tests, the World Rugby Sevens Series and the British & Irish Lions, with great success; with the most recent being last year’s incoming series match against Ireland,” said Crous.
“The Springboks have not only enjoyed great success with the positive results they have gained at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, which has become a fortress for the team as the Boks have never lost a match at the venue, but have also attracted sell-out crowds on every visit to the city and stadium.
“We are confident that this year it will be no different, especially since the Springboks have made such a great start to the international season against France.
“We once more expect fantastic support from our fans,” he added.
Springboks’ August fixtures (SA times):
August 19: South Africa vs Argentina, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, 5:00pm
August 26: Argentina vs South Africa, Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena, Salta 12:00am (midnight). – African News Agency (ANA)
