Next year’s test match between France and South Africa, scheduled initially for June 12 in Cape Town as part of a French tour, will not take place in South Africa and could be moved to Europe, an informed source said Sunday.
South African Rugby will be unable to host the match at the appointed time as the 2010 Football World Cup will be under way by then from June 11.
The source indicated that Wembley Stadium was a possible choice of venue.
The French, on what would be a warm-up tour for the 2011 World Cup, are set to face the Springboks, then a South African A team on June 17 or 18 before closing the tour against Argentina in Buenos Aires the following week.
In November of next year Les Bleus are set to host Fiji in Nantes on November 13, Argentina a week later and then Australia the week after that at Stade de France.
Ahead of the World Cup in New Zealand the French are also set to face Ireland on August 13 in Marseille and then the same opponents either on August 20 or 27 at Lansdowne Road with the squad having come together from as early as late June.
After completing their preparations France, smarting from Saturday’s 39-12 autumn test thumping by the All Blacks in Marseille, will have to deal with the might of hosts New Zealand in Group A in the World Cup.
Perfect opportunity to move the test to Kimberley, East London or even Rustenburg.
Why move a test to another country where we can take a first class test match to the country and expose our visitors to 35 degree conditions on rock hard pitches with change rooms the size of my toilet?
Come on SARU think a bit.
Makes sense, I suppose…
If you listen to what is being said then our players will still be bloody tired come June 2010. Cancel this meaningless game and let the players rest.
3@ Loskoppie – That probably makes the most sense… cancel the farking game, it would mean an extra 2 – 3 weeks rest or so… no practicing well before the Test needed, no preparation, no travel there, no game, no travel back, no risk of injuries along the way…
1@ Morne
Agree. I rememeber PDV said at the beginning of his reign he wants to take rugby to the people. Good opportunity this!
Just hope we dont go to France, they will extend their streak of wins even more. Kimberley will work.
We have to play this game here. Not in France or in England. Daft it means MORE TRAVEL for our Boks.
Like some say play it in Kimberley. Any of the smaller places will do. Just play it in SA. At altitude if possible.
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