Cape Town - It’s green versus black, the decider in one of the most anticipated two-Test rugby matches since the last duel, which ended 1-1, between the Springboks and All Blacks in 2022.
A city and stadium will once again be divided when the world champions, South Africa, and their perennial bridesmaid in the World Cup Finals, New Zealand, lock horns tomorrow at 5pm in the DHL Stadium in Cape Town in a crucial Rugby Championship match.
The Boks will go into the clash knowing that another victory will bring the Freedom Cup home for the first time in over a decade. It will also take them to the brink of winning the championship title.
And their domination over the mighty All Blacks would be stretched to four wins in a row.
All the momentum will be with the home side, but playing their archrivals in Cape Town comes with some portents.
For starters, the New Zealand side received a heroes’ welcome at Cape Town International Airport on Sunday as loyal fans lined the airport road outside, where the team’s bus was waiting.
Supporters buzzed outside the All Blacks’ hotel in Newlands the entire week and they will definitely still be there today.
@allblacks What a warm welcome! #allblacks #southafrica #capetown #rugby ♬ original sound - AllBlacks
The visitors’ training sessions also drew ample eyes at Athlone Stadium and Bishops respectively.
That is how much support the All Blacks enjoy in Cape Town and what the Boks will have to deal with inside the DHL Stadium.
Yes, the majority will always don the green and gold supporters’ gear, but a fair 1 000 black jerseys will definitely be in full voice.
What the world champions are looking forward to is to try and convert more and more of those fans by asserting their dominance.
On Thursday, more tickets were released by the host union on the ticketing website Ticketmaster after initial reports indicated that the match was sold out.
Sales were opened to the public late yesterday afternoon after initially only going to those who took part in the ballot to buy tickets.
Only tickets priced between R2 500 and R3 500 were for sale.
But Gumtree also had tickets for sale at exorbitant prices by scalpers trying to make a quick buck, and SA Rugby has warned against ticket scammers selling tickets that might not be valid on the day.
By yesterday evening, there were still tickets available on the official ticket site and resale websites.
While the DHL Stadium has seen some rain during the Currie Cup, tomorrow’s Test will be played in good Cape Town weather, with a high of 15°C expected.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said they will relish the challenge from the local All Black supporters, while at the same time embracing their fans.
“Cape Town is a lekka place,” Erasmus said. “I know it’s like that for the overseas teams too. I’ve played at Newlands a couple of times and those guys right next to the field, they love to chirp you. I used to be chirped about my calves, but now it will probably be about my belly.
“There are characters here and the Cape represents so many different people who support the Boks and even the All Blacks. It’s a vibey thing.
“It’s the people of Cape Town that bring the heart.”
Get ready for a rugby showdown like no other! 🏉
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 5, 2024
It’s the homecoming match between the Springboks and the All Blacks at the DHL Stadium, and it’s set to be a spectacular clash of titans 🧬🇿🇦#ForeverGreenForeverGold#Springboks pic.twitter.com/uTqXv6EW3J
Highly anticipated 🍿
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 4, 2024
Rassie 𝘰𝘯 Alles: SA All Black fans.#ForeverGreenForeverGold #Springboks pic.twitter.com/fA2rwTsgVG
The All Blacks were equally impressed with the fanfare around their team.
“We’ve had plenty of supporters outside the hotel. They love a selfie and an autograph, and they know the players just as well as they do at home. We know that there are a lot of passionate supporters here, and we look forward to playing in front of them.”
The MyCiTi bus service will operate a free shuttle service tomorrow.
Buses will operate between the stadium MyCiTi stations and Civic Centre and Century City stations, while a shuttle will also transport ticket holders from UCT at Madiba Circle and the CTICC to the Green Point Park east gate.
All services will run from 12pm with the last free shuttle to depart the stadium at 9.30pm.