Victor Matfield Slams Expensive All Blacks Tour Tickets After Disappointing Crowds
- The All Blacks’ South African tour has produced some striking scenes on the field, but the crowds at several matches have raised questions away from the action
- With thousands of seats unoccupied at provincial fixtures, attention is growing around what supporters are being asked to pay to watch the visitors
- Victor Matfield has now weighed into the debate, with the former Springbok offering a blunt view on how the matches could have attracted bigger audiences
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Source: Getty Images
Empty seats have become an unwanted talking point on the All Blacks’ South African tour, and Victor Matfield believes the price of admission is part of the problem. The former Springbok lock has slammed what he sees as expensive ticket prices for the visitors’ provincial matches, arguing that a cheaper approach could have put far more supporters in the stands.
The Stormers’ clash with the All Blacks drew 47,130 fans at the 55,000-capacity Cape Town Stadium, filling about 86% of the venue. The Sharks’ match was a much different story, with 14,759 spectators at the 46,000-capacity Kings Park, meaning the stadium was only about 32% full.
At Loftus Versfeld, 30,930 supporters watched the Bulls face the All Blacks at the 50,000-capacity venue, putting attendance at roughly 62%.
Tickets for the Cape Town match ranged from R650 to R1,350.
Speaking on the Rugby Rivals podcast, Matfield said the pricing approach should have been different for the provincial fixtures.
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“With the Test matches, you can charge whatever you want because the people want to be there. They’re paying for the Springboks,” he said as reported by SA Rugby Magazine.
Source: Getty Images
Springbok legend wants cheaper provincial tickets
Matfield then made his criticism more direct.
“But I think for these provincial games, it would have been better if it was cheaper and you could make the stadium full. People want to experience this,” he said.
The Lions will provide the All Blacks’ final provincial opposition on 25 August at Ellis Park, with tickets ranging from R250 to R1,350. The All Blacks first face the Springboks in the opening Test at the same venue three days earlier on 22 August, with the first Test already sold out.
Matfield argues that affordability should be a bigger consideration for provincial matches, where organisers want to maximise attendance and atmosphere. His comments come as the All Blacks’ tour continues towards the Springbok Tests.
Rassie Erasmus faces ‘conspiracy theory’ claim
Briefly News previously reported that All Blacks legend John Kirwan had questioned Rassie Erasmus’ approach during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
Kirwan suggested that South Africa’s provincial teams may not have shown the All Blacks the intensity and style they can expect from the Springboks.
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Source: Briefly News
