SARU Confirms Springboks vs All Blacks Flyover at FNB Stadium Despite Safety Row
- SARU confirmed a pre-match aircraft display for the third Springboks vs All Blacks Test at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday
- The announcement follows controversy over Airlink's Cape Town flyover, where a jet passed just 15 metres above the roof of DHL Stadium
- Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie praised the Cape Town display as spectacular while critics called it an accident waiting to happen
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The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has confirmed that a pre-match flyover will take place at FNB Stadium ahead of Saturday's third Test between South Africa and New Zealand, doubling down on the tradition despite an ongoing safety debate.
The announcement comes days after Airlink's flyover at the second Test in Cape Town triggered a wave of public concern. Footage shared widely on social media showed two aircraft passing at an exceptionally low altitude over DHL Stadium, with subsequent reports confirming that one jet cleared the stadium roof by just 15 metres.
Airlink defends Cape Town flight path
Airlink pushed back against the criticism, releasing black box data to support its position. The airline stated that the manoeuvre "strictly adhered to approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits for the flypast." It also noted that "the two aircraft were flown by highly experienced crew, with each comprised of three senior captains operating in the roles of commander, co-pilot and safety/technical officer."
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also came out in support of the display, posting on X
Series locked at 1-1 with two Tests remaining
Despite the controversy, SARU has held firm. Low-altitude flyovers carry deep symbolic weight in South African rugby, most memorably associated with the 1995 Rugby World Cup final between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
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The four-match series is currently level at 1-1. Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus named his squad for Saturday's Johannesburg clash on Monday, introducing four changes and one positional switch to the starting line-up. The series concludes with a historic final fixture scheduled for 12 September in Baltimore, United States.
Source: Briefly News
