Thousands of rugby fans are expected to attend the Springboks vs Australia match at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon.
Thousands expected for Springboks vs Australia clash
The game is part of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, a competition between the national teams of South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina. Ellis Park, which can seat over 62,000 people, will open its gates at midday, with kick-off at 17:10 SAST.
According to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), several roads around the stadium will be closed from Saturday afternoon until late in the evening to manage traffic and crowd safety.
Road closures around the stadium
The streets that will be blocked include:
- Joe Slovo Drive;
- Sivewright Avenue;
- Currey Street;
- Beit Street;
- Siemert Road;
- Charlton Terrace;
- Van Beek Street;
- Suzie Street;
- Bertrams Road;
- Albertina Sisulu Road;
- Saratoga Avenue;
- Erin Street;
- Miller Street;
- Voorhout Street; and
- 4th Street.
Several intersections will also be closed, including Albertina Sisulu Road with Gous Street, Dawe Street, and Princess Street; Bertrams Road with Voorhout, Fitzroy, and Erin streets; Charlton Terrace with Van Beek Street; and multiple points along Sivewright Avenue, Miller Street, and Beit Street.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use the M1 and M2 highways as alternatives.
Park-and-ride and shuttle services
Fihla confirmed a park-and-ride system will be in place for spectators. Shuttle taxis will run from Eastgate Mall and St John’s College in Houghton Estate to Ellis Park.
Park-and-ride buses will operate from multiple shopping centres, including Clearwater Mall, Cresta Shopping Centre, Montecasino, Melrose Arch, Mall of Africa, Centurion Mall, Menlyn Park, Greenstone Shopping Centre, East Rand Mall,
The Glen Shopping Centre, Gold Reef City, Sandton City, and The Grove Mall. The buses are expected to run from 13:00. to 15:00, and again from 19:00 to 20:30.
E-hailing drop-offs and pick-ups will be available at Wolmarans Street in Braamfontein from 11:00 to 22:00, and at Fitzroy Street and Bertrams Road in New Doornfontein.
Free train travel to Ellis Park
Gautrain and PRASA train services will also run between Park Station and Ellis Park Station on match day.
PRASA announced that passengers can catch its Isitimela Sabantu train for free from Park Station to Ellis Park after arriving on the Gautrain.
Springboks ready for first Rugby Championship match
On the field, Springbok centre Jesse Kriel said the team is prepared to face Australia, also known as the Wallabies, in their first match of this year’s Rugby Championship.
The Springboks remain unbeaten this season after victories over Italy, Georgia, and the Barbarians.
Australia recently faced the British & Irish Lions in a three-match series, finishing with a win in the final Test.
Kriel will partner with Andre Esterhuizen in the midfield, while assistant coach Jerry Flannery noted Australia’s strong focus on quick ball and breakdown play under coach Joe Schmidt.