Newlands set to host final Rugby Test this weekend when Springboks take on England

Sport360 staff 16:00 20/06/2018
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  • No more Boks vs All Blacks at Newlands

    One of the world’s most famous Rugby stadiums is set to host its last Test this weekend.

    Newlands in Cape Town – the venue of the All Blacks‘ famous  Jonah Lomu-inspired 45-29 win over England in the 1995 Rugby World Cup – is about to retired from the Test schedule, according to South African media reports.

    Netwerk24, an Afrikaans language news site, reported that an announcement would be made by South Africa Rugby (SA Rugby) shortly that future Cape Town rugby internationals would instead be played at the Cape Town Stadium in Greenpoint, which was purpose built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

    A formal announcement was expected before the third test between the Springboks and England at Newlands this Saturday, Netwerk24 said, quoting “four credible sources”

    Test venues in South Africa have traditionally been decided by provincial unions, but SA Rugby is taking over that responsibility.

    A first-class rugby ground since 1890, Newlands, owned by the Western Province Rugby Union, is the oldest international rugby stadium in South Africa and the second oldest in the world behind Lansdowne Rd in Dublin.

    Cape Town Stadium, with 55,000 seats, is only slightly larger than Newlands (51,900), but has more modern facilities.

    Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus, who coached the Newlands-based Stormers in Super Rugby for four years, said he would miss the “lovely ground” if it was cast aside.

    “Having coached here and played here, it is a wonderful stadium,” Erasmus said at a Springboks media conference  in Cape Town on Monday.

    “It’s beautiful and everybody knows how we feel about tradition in South Africa.

    “I’m not sure if it’s true or what the reasoning behind it is, but Newlands is special and we’ll enjoy the occasion either way whether it is the last one or not.

    “I can’t really comment because I don’t know the details, but it’s a lovely stadium to play at.”

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