February 2 – South Africa will play France in a Test match on June 12 in Cape Town, Springbok officials confirmed on Tuesday, dispelling doubts that the country would have to abandon its rugby union season because it clashes with the World Cup.
The South African Rugby Union (SARU) were initially thought to be unable to host the match at the appointed time as the 2010 football World Cup begins in the country on June 11.
But SARU president Oregan Hoskins said that the match would now go ahead as planned following talks with Danny Jordaan, the chief executive of South Africa 2010.
“I’m pleased to announce that we have agreed that the Test against France in Cape Town on June 12 will go ahead at Newlands as originally scheduled,” Hoskins said.
Eight matches of the 2010 football World Cup are due to be held at Cape Town’s new Green Point stadium, including France versus Uruguay on June 11, the day before the rugby Test at Newlands.
The meeting between Jordaan and SARU officials also addressed issues around the potential hosting of the Super 14 semi-finals and finals.
This year’s Super 14 final is scheduled for May 29, after football’s world governing body FIFA are due to take control of all the grounds used for the World Cup – many of which are home to Super Rugby teams.
The venue for the Super 14 final is decided by the highest-seeded team to reach the showpiece event, with that honour last year going to South African side the Blue Bulls.
A repeat scenario in 2010 would cause logistical problems.
“We have both been aware of the situation for some time and we in rugby have made contingency plans,” said Hoskins.
“However, our first preference has always been to play any such matches at our normal venues and Mr Jordaan has listened to our request and is prepared to continue those discussions.
“The next step is to get the role players from the affected unions into the same room with the LOC (Local Organising Committee) to see if we can’t map out a compromise.”