Not so cool to fill a Bok car pool

Those who think it’s easy to get to Ellis Park to watch a rugby Test match involving the Springboks should think again. Even as a journalist. Of course we are speaking of tomorrow’s first of three Tests against England and national coach Rassie Erasmus’ second Test in charge.

While the Boks started their campaign last weekend with a two-point defeat to Wales in Washington, it was a first loss to Rassie’s tenure but then we all know it was with a team short of full strength – with the top players were reserved for the expected major England challenge.

But back to the hiccups we have to endure to actually get to the park. Most people think we as media accredited journalists to the South African Rugby Union have a walk in the park, so to speak.

Yes, if you are accredited you do get access if you supply regular and positive, or mostly objective, reporting about the national team.

But how do you actually get to the stadium?

Now that is where the crux of the matter lies.

If you are reporting on your home franchise – Super Rugby for instance – then the local franchise supports you as far as regular and safe parking is concerned.

But when it comes to Test matches, all parking allocations are handed over to SA Rugby and all of a sudden your home union can’t give you the parking spot that you are used to as a regular contributor.

All of a sudden, nobody can help you with parking. So yes, you do get accreditation, but for parking you’re left at your own mercy.

When approaching Saru about parking, they simply say “okay you can get parking but only if you are in a car pool of three, four other guys because parking is extremely limited”.

Now the hunting starts. You contact your media colleagues.

No, “sorry, we are already in a car pool”, and “no, this one and that one” didn’t actually get accredited. Then the hunt continues. Phone friend X who you haven’t spoken to for some time. No “he has to work”. Ask the neighbour Y and offer the usual damage for petrol.

“No they are going to a wedding”, sorry. What now? Can always take a chance and drive to the stadium early and try to bribe a security guard. And if that doesn’t pay off? Then you sincerely have to pray getting to the stadium at all.

And it is for work. Eish.