LIVE RUGBY BUZZ
KIWI KICK-OFF: EXCITEMENT MOUNTS FOR FIRST GAME
NZ’s Aotearoa start sparks some enthusiasm among SA rugby fans.
Rugby is back, and though it’s only being played in New Zealand for now, there is plenty excitement ahead of the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition which kicks off tomorrow.
South African teams are not likely to return to action before August, while matches in England and France are also likely to begin around that time.
First up this weekend, however, the Highlanders will host the Chiefs at 7.05am (SA time) tomorrow at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, relaunching top-flight international rugby following a global shutdown, while the Blues will host the Hurricanes at 5.35am on Sunday at Eden Park in Auckland.
The Crusaders will have a bye in the first round.
Reports yesterday indicated that 50 000 tickets had been sold for the opening round of fixtures, with 16 000 spectators expected in Dunedin and 34 000 in Auckland.
Local experts remain divided on the potential interest of South African rugby fans, but most are excited to see some rugby action amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
“What time is it?” was one of the first questions asked by former Bok captain and flank Corne Krige when he was approached for his opinion.
“It has been so long that we have not seen any kind of live rugby since the worldwide lockdowns that any kind of action will do for me,” Krige said.
Krige led the Boks at the 2003 World Cup in Australia where they were knocked out by New Zealand in the quarterfinals.
“I think I talk on behalf of many South Africans, and I will be watching. The times don’t concern me,” he said.
“I will appreciate any kind of sport, and rugby, until such a time as we (South Africans) can also return to action.”
Former Bok lock and ex Lions coach Johan Ackermann said he might have to divide his time between his family and watching the games.
Because of border restrictions, he is still stuck in SA while he waits to take up his new job with the Docomo Red Hurricanes in Japan.
“I would like to watch some of the games, but it depends on the time because now is also the time to give attention to the family. When the rugby starts again my free time will be minimal,” Ackermann said.
“The times without travel and the pressure, one has to enjoy, but it will be great to see some rugby again.”
Former Bok lock Hannes Strydom, who formed the middle row combination with Kobus Wiese in the 1995 World Cup, believed local fans had been starved. “Yes, I will definitely watch, I believe South Africans are rugby crazy and most of us are hungry to see some live matches,” said Strydom.