The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Why is SARFU not restoring Fortress South Africa?

Roar Guru
4th February, 2009
Advertisement
Roar Guru
4th February, 2009
10
1204 Reads

RWC 2007 saw humiliation heaped on sides tipped over the Springboks for rugby’s ultimate crown, and it was no surprise that 2008 would offer opportunity for pride to be restored. But what’s going on in 2009?

I understand the need to restore balance.

In particular, New Zealand post-RWC 07 was on the brink of mass suicide and Kiwi PM, Helen Clark, reportedly was sent scurrying around the halls of Wellington canceling the Armies’ DEFCON 3 status and the National Guards official ‘hit orders’ on All Blacks’ coach Graham Henry and company.

For the sake of human-kind, and the future of the South Sea Islands, pride would have to be restored and South Africa would simply have to play a role in ensuring that in 2008. And so they did.

Bok fans looking at the 2008 and 2009 schedules have seen the light.

In rugby, venues can play a role in the ultimate outcome of games. No doubt. Which of these grounds would you fancy your chances at – The House of Pain, Ellis Park, Twickenham, Bloemfontein or Loftus?

Rugby players themselves will tell you they have their favorite parks and, conversely, there are grounds that just seem to intimidate, their fans hostile, their aura conspiring at wicked downfall.

South Africa have three such grounds, forming the backbone of Fortress South Africa – Loftus, Ellis Park and Bloemfontein.

Advertisement

Last season South Africa played along with SANZAR schedulers (for the greater good of restoring pride) and slacked off using these stadiums for vital battles.

When they ultimately resorted to Ellis Park, the Aussies got an almighty record hiding, 53-8. Too late. (Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth have friendly stadiums by comparison – any South African will attest to this and yet these were 2007’s preferred opening venues?)

This time round, I wish I could say that in Tri Nations 2009, we will see the visitors not be gifted such soft landings and that with Fortress South Africa restored, the House of Pain is going to look like a kiddies jumping castle at an under 9 year old girls party.

But I can’t.

Loftus and Ellis Park, key elements of South Africa’s fortress, have somehow again been written out of the 2009 script.

Enter the battle of the arenas. Left in my hands, I’d guarantee a yo-yo schedule from hell.

Australia and New Zealand can count themselves lucky we’ve again cut them some slack.

Advertisement
close