Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: Springboks vs All Blacks Test at FNB Stadium Hit With Heavy Threat
- Weather forecaster Juandre Vorster warned that a storm system is expected to hit Johannesburg from around 3pm on Saturday
- Lightning poses the greatest safety risk during the Springbok-All Blacks clash, with play potentially being suspended if conditions worsen
- Airlink already cancelled the pre-match flyby due to the forecast, raising concerns about what the weather could mean for tens of thousands of fans at FNB Stadium
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The weather is threatening to become a major concern for fans attending the Springboks’ clash with the All Blacks at FNB Stadium on Saturday, with forecasts pointing to heavy rain, powerful winds and potentially dangerous lightning.
Weather forecaster and social media personality Juandre Vorster, better known as the Weather Hooligan, told The Citizen that conditions should remain relatively pleasant during the morning before taking a turn for the worse from around 3 pm, roughly two hours before kick-off.
Vorster advised fans to make the most of the earlier conditions, as the weather is expected to remain favourable until around midday before becoming increasingly unsettled.
Lightning the biggest concern at FNB Stadium
Although strong winds and rain could disrupt the fixture, Vorster highlighted lightning as the biggest concern, especially if electrical activity increases around the stadium while the players are on the pitch.
He warned that significant lightning activity had been detected over the area and explained that worsening conditions could prompt match and stadium officials to temporarily halt play in line with established safety protocols.
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Airlink had already confirmed earlier in the week that it cancelled its planned pre-match flyby because of the weather forecast, underlining the seriousness of the conditions expected ahead of one of rugby’s biggest fixtures.
Wet ball could force a change in game plan
If the weather forecast proves accurate, both coaching teams could be forced to adjust their game plans. Wet conditions generally make handling more challenging, which could encourage a more conservative approach focused on territory, possession and kicking rather than open, attacking rugby.
Vorster explained that the distinctive curved structure of FNB Stadium could help reduce the impact of strong winds on the field. The stadium's design may direct much of the wind over and around the bowl-shaped structure, offering the playing surface some protection.
However, Vorster stressed that the storm is not expected to persist for the entire evening. Thunderstorms on the Highveld can develop quickly, producing a short but intense spell of heavy rain and lightning before moving eastwards and giving way to lighter rainfall.
He urged spectators to come prepared and to take lightning safety seriously.
"Take raincoats with you. Stay safe. Don't stand under tall trees. Stay within the stadium's parameters, under the roof, and don't go outside if there's lightning," Vorster said.
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Source: Briefly News
