Suncorp Stadium Sell-out Boosts Wallabies for Rugby Championship Opener against Springboks
Brisbane, Australia – Suncorp Stadium has officially sold out for the Wallabies’ opening game of the Rugby Championship against the Springboks, providing a much-needed boost for rugby union in Australia.
The clash between the Wallabies and the two-time defending Rugby World Cup champions South Africa on Saturday is set to attract a capacity crowd of 52,500 at Suncorp Stadium, which also hosts the Super Rugby outfit Queensland Reds. This will be the first time the stadium has sold out for a rugby union match since 2013.
Rugby Australia CEO Expresses Delight
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh expressed his delight at the overwhelming public support, saying:
“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.”
Last Sell-out at Suncorp Stadium
The last time the Wallabies played a home game in front of a crowd this size was in 2006, when they faced South Africa at Accor Stadium in Sydney. Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Michael Healy noted that it had been over a decade since Suncorp Stadium had sold out for a Wallabies Test match, and he expects “a passionate crowd” to create a lively atmosphere.
Impressive Attendance Figures
The sell-out comes on the back of impressive attendance figures during the mid-year internationals in Australia, with 35,945 fans packing out the Allianz Stadium for the opening game against Wales and 21,932 attending the second Test at AAMI Park.
Challenges and Opportunities for Rugby Union in Australia
While rugby union in Australia has faced challenges in recent times, this sell-out is a significant boost for the game, as Waugh acknowledged:
“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.”
Advantage for the Wallabies at Home
The Springboks will be looking to overcome their torrid record at Suncorp Stadium, having lost their last four meetings with the Wallabies in Brisbane, with their only win at the venue coming in 2013. However, the Wallabies hold the advantage over South Africa when playing at home, having beaten the Springboks in four of their past five meetings in Australia.
As the two rugby union powerhouses prepare to face off in front of a capacity crowd in Brisbane, the sell-out at Suncorp Stadium serves as a positive sign for the sport’s resurgence in Australia.
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