Frustration Mounts as Springboks Release Last-Minute Tickets
By Editor • August 20, 2026 • 2 min read
As excitement builds for the upcoming Test match between the Springboks and the All Blacks, many fans are feeling frustrated over the late release of additional tickets, which contradicts previous claims of a sellout. The match, scheduled for Saturday, August 22, at Ellis Park, is the first of four significant tests in what is being dubbed Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
On Tuesday evening, South African Rugby (Saru) announced that between 1,000 to 2,000 tickets priced from R850 to R4,000 were unexpectedly made available, despite earlier statements marking the event as sold out. Fans are questioning not only the affordability of attending Springbok Tests but also the transparency of Saru's ticketing strategy.
On June 27, the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Instagram page listed ticket availability for the four matches, stating that both Ellis Park and Cape Town were sold out, while tickets for the third Test at FNB Stadium remained accessible. However, Saru has not confirmed any specific sold-out status, as indicated by a spokesperson who clarified that the additional tickets released were initially reserved for commercial partners who did not fully utilize their allocations.
This ambiguity extends to the upcoming match in Cape Town, where reports suggest that approximately 3,000 tickets remain unsold. Yet, attempts to purchase these tickets through Saru's official website have proven unsuccessful, with no seats available on the seating plan. Furthermore, an insider revealed that roughly 4,000 tickets remain unsold at FNB Stadium, raising concerns about low stadium attendance.
Fans have been vocal about the ticket pricing, which has been a recurring topic of discussion throughout the tour. The match between the All Blacks and the Stormers on August 7 attracted 47,130 spectators, but ticket prices ranging from R650 to R1,350 were cited as a contributing factor to the attendance falling short of a sellout. Attendance dropped significantly for the subsequent match against the Sharks, which drew just 14,759 fans due to inclement weather and a weeknight scheduling.
The Springboks’ ticket pricing has been defended by Saru, who stated that the prices reflect the premium nature of the event, occurring only once every eight years in South Africa. Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby, has asserted that the organization takes responsibility for ticket pricing and aims to ensure accessibility for fans while balancing the costs of running rugby in the country.
Despite these assurances, the backlash from fans continues, with many feeling alienated by the high costs. One frustrated fan, Johnny Black, shared his experience of paying R1,350 per ticket for a family outing, only to find himself in a sparsely populated stadium. He lamented, "You got my money, but you’ve lost my custom,” highlighting the emotional connection fans have with attending live matches.
Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za
