The South African Springboks are a national institution with a complex history stretching back to their inaugural test match in 1891. Traditionally, the team played their major home fixtures in traditional rugby strongholds like Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban.
Moving a marquee fixture against the New Zealand All Blacks to FNB Stadium in Soweto marked a massive cultural shift for the sport. Located in the historic township of Soweto, the venue was famously built as Soccer City for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, utilizing association football infrastructure for a premier rugby union showdown.
Expanding Rugby’s Footprint Beyond Traditional Grounds
FNB Stadium holds a seating capacity of over 94,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium on the African continent. Hosting a rugby test match of this magnitude in Soweto was an intentional effort to broaden the game’s demographic appeal in South Africa.
The Springboks secured a thrilling 29-24 victory on that turf, permanently linking their fierce rivalry with the All Blacks to a venue that opened its gates on October 4, 1989.