Boks and England to play at half empty Ellis Park?

Boks and England to play at a potentially half-empty Ellis Park is a concern after reported weak ticket sales for this Saturday’s Nations Championship Test between the Springboks and England. Rapport says the match could be played before limited crowds if sales do not improve by the end of the week. The Sunday report notes it will be the first Test under the newly created Nations Championship for both teams. The Springboks warmed up with a big win over the Barbarians in Cape Town last weekend and will also face Scotland and Wales at home in July. By Wednesday, only 21,000 tickets had been sold for the Ellis Park venue, which holds up to 62,000, and prices range from R950 to R3,000. Factors cited include tough economic conditions and additional Test matches in Gauteng, plus Ellis Park’s downtown Joburg location. Kickoff is set for 5:40pm next Saturday.