Wallabies achieve surprising 11-year first ahead of huge Springboks home clash
A general view of Suncorp Stadium is seen during the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens semi-final match between the Queensland Reds and the Blues at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Saturday, February 10, 2018. ( AAP Image/Darren England)
Suncorp Stadium has officially sold out for the Wallabies’ opening game of the Rugby Championship against the Springboks, in a much-welcomed boost for the game in Australia.
The clash against South Africa is the first time Suncorp Stadium, which also hosts Super Rugby outfit Queensland Reds, has sold out for a rugby union match since 2013; with all 52,500 seats expected to be filled on Saturday.
Suncorp sell-out
It is also set to be the biggest crowd for a Wallabies home game since their clash against South Africa at Accor Stadium, Sydney in 2006.
Commenting on the news, Rugby Australia CEO, Phil Waugh, said: “This year we have seen Brisbane once again throw their support behind the Wallabies. I think the response to this match shows that Australians and Queenslanders are right behind this Wallabies squad.”
“We are still building under Joe [Schmidt], and we have started the season reasonably well against Wales and Georgia, however, the two-time defending Rugby World Cup Champions are a new and exciting challenge.”
“I am sure that a 50,000-strong Gold Army will play a huge role in lifting the Wallabies in Brisbane.”
Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister, Michael Healy, added: “It’s more than ten years since Suncorp has sold-out for a Wallabies Test match, I think we can expect a passionate crowd.
“Big international Rugby Tests like this boost our local economy and showcase Brisbane’s capacity to host world-class sporting events.
The sell-out comes off the back of impressive attendances during the mid-year internationals in Australia. 35,945 (45,500 capacity) fans packed out the Allianz Stadium for the opening game against Wales, with Test Two at AAMI Park also drawing in a decent attendance of 21,932 (30,050 capacity).
Rugby union in Australia has been struggling for some time now, but this is some much-needed positive news for the game down under.
South Africa look to overcome torrid Suncorp record
If South Africa come away from the game with a victory, they will have ended a torrid run of results at Suncorp Stadium.
The Springboks have lost their last four meetings with the Wallabies in Brisbane with their solitary win over Australia at the venue coming in 2013. The Boks did defeat Samoa at the ground during the 2003 World Cup. But South Africa have lost the other 11 Tests against the Wallabies at the ground.
Australia also hold the advantage over South Africa when on home soil. The Wallabies have beaten the Springboks in four of their past five meetings in Australia.
Will the torrid record in Australia continue?