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The Springboks will kick off
their 2018 international season on an historic note when
they face Wales in a once-off Test in Washington DC in
the United States of America on Saturday, 2 June.
This momentous match ¡V the first time the Boks will face
tier one opposition on neutral ground outside the Rugby
World Cup ¡V was confirmed by event hosts, Rugby
International Marketing (RIM), the commercial arm of USA
Rugby. Kick-off is scheduled for 17h00 (23h00 SA time)
in the
Robert F Kennedy Stadium (RFK) in Washington DC.
It will be the 34rd Test between South Africa and Wales,
with the Springboks having won 28 tests, lost four while
one encounter ended in a draw, for a winning rate of
85%. Wales won the last two tests between these teams,
both in Cardiff.
The match ¡V the first between two top tier teams in the
US capital ¡V was announced at a special ceremony at the
South African Embassy in Washington DC. The South
African Ambassador to the United States, Mninwa Johannes
Mahlangu, and the First Minister of Wales, Carwin Jones
AM, were in attendance.
Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby, said the Springboks were
delighted to play against Wales on US soil. It will be
the Boks' first visit to that country since December
2001, when they beat the USA Eagles, 43-20, in Houston.
"The match in Washington allows us to take Springbok
rugby to America and to potentially expand the team's
appeal to a very large audience," said Roux.
"Our research shows that the Springboks have a growing
worldwide fan base and we see the match in Washington as
ideal platform to tap into a market that offers huge
possibilities for South African rugby, in the exciting
American sporting area."
Tickets for the match will go on sale from Tuesday, 13
March. |
