According to a report in the Daily Mail, the interest in the match between two of the powerhouses in international rugby has been poor, and this is reflected in the poor ticket sales.

Furthermore, the company in charge of organising the event, Rugby International Marketing, is said be running at a loss financially.

It is believed that both teams asked for approximately R12,4-million in appearance fees, and this said to have been reduced by more than R2-millon per team already.

The 46 000 seater stadium needs at least 27 000 spectators to attend the Test in order to break even.

According to the report high level discussions are taking place at USA Rugby to get the date and venue changed, and there has even been suggestions of having the teams changed.

The majority of South African expats living in the USA are based in the South, and traveling to the capital city is believed to be pricey.

The Springboks have played in America before when André Vos’ charges beat the USA 43-20 in Houston, Texas, in December 2001.

The Test is meant to be Springboks first of the season, as well as, the new coach, Rassie Erasmus’ first in charge. The following week they tackle England in the first of three Tests in South Africa. This leaves Erasmus with a very short turnaround time heading into a massive series. While the idea of playing in America is novel, the timing is far from ideal.

It is understandable the SA Rugby can do with the money they will received from the Test in DC, and also breaking into that market is a huge deal. However, the Springboks would perhaps benefit more from having a training camp heading into the series against Eddie Jones’ England.

Earlier this year the Super Rugby warm-up match between the Stormers and Bulls in Los Angeles was called off. As the Bulls stated this was due to issues regarding the agreed upon transfers and logistics.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport