The atmosphere at Loftus Versfeld for the recent north-south derby was electric, and MARK KEOHANE anticipates a similar vibe in July when the Springboks face Ireland.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane praises Loftus’ role in showcasing the glory of South African rugby during the Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers clash in the Vodacom URC.
He highlights the venue’s appeal with a packed crowd of over 50,000, and recalls its significance and the fond memories associated with the venue while lauding the vibrant festivities outside the stadium and the knowledgeable and hospitable crowd.
Keohane argues that the Ireland Test match’s rapid sell-out within 30 minutes reflects the strong appetite among local supporters for both national and domestic teams, asserting that SA rugby is currently at its healthiest state since turning professional in 1996.
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“I have always described Loftus Versfeld as the cathedral of South African rugby. If Ellis Park is the Alcatraz of South African rugby, in fear factor for the opposition, and Newlands, in Cape Town, was the spiritual home for more than a 100 years, then Loftus most certainly is the place where rugby folk come to worship the game,” he writes.
“An afternoon kick-off at Loftus has a certain type of appeal because as the sun bakes you, the braai smells transport you into a rugby escape from the realities of the working week. Loftus, all dressed up and beaming, is a wonderful sight, which is why it has not been easy on the eye in the past few seasons to see it empty for so many matches.
“The Irish Test match for Loftus sold out within 30 minutes of the tickets going on sale. It capped the most remarkable 48 hours for rugby supporters up north but the bigger picture is the appetite for wanting to watch all that is good about the national team and the very best domestic teams in South Africa.”
Photo: Wessel Oosthuizen/Gallo Images
The post Loftus ‘dressed up to worship’ Test rugby appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
