Wallabies v Springboks: Adelaide Oval hosts historic double-header
The Wallabies clash with South Africa will make South Australian rugby history when the champion visitors are joined by two more international teams.
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As international rugby prepares to return to Adelaide for the first time in 18 years, Wallabies players say they are “pumped” to showcase the sport on the big stage in SA.
The Wallabies will go head-to-head with current world champions, South Africa’s Springboks, at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon, following a clash between Australia’s women’s team, the Wallaroos, and New Zealand’s Black Ferns at the same venue.
At least 30,000 fans expected to turn out for the historic double-header, which marks the first time in Adelaide’s 90-year rugby history that the city will play host to four of the world’s best teams, including the current men’s and women’s world champions.
And there could be more international matches played in SA in the future, with Rugby Australia revealing plans to bring more games to Adelaide.
Speaking to The Advertiser at their training camp on the Gold Coast on Tuesday, Wallabies fullback, Andrew Kellaway, said it was a special occasion for the entire team, with none of the squad having played at the iconic ground.
“I’m pumped. Firstly, I mean, Adelaide Oval, what a place. I’d love to be on the hill having a beer watching,” said Kellaway.
“When was it, 2004 that we haven’t been down there since and we’ve got no one in our squad that’s played down there … so to be a part of a first for everyone in the squad is going to be pretty special.”
The last time the Wallabies stepped onto Adelaide Oval was in 2004, when they beat the Pacific Islanders, 29- 14.
Wallabies prop, Allan Alaalatoa, said he was particularly keen to get involved with the Adelaide rugby community to help grow the sport.
“As Kells (Kellaway) was saying, I haven’t played there and I can’t wait to get down there on Thursday and get involved in the community through the back end of the week,” said Alaalatoa said.
“And the boys will get the opportunity to play and thrive off all the energy that will come from off of Adelaide Oval.
“Most importantly put on a good performance on the Saturday afternoon … I’ve checked the weather and it looks good.”
Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos said they were working closely with the state government to bring more games to Adelaide.
“We’ve certainly had really positive engagement with your new Premier and local tourism authorities and the stadium,” said Marinos.
“It’s our strategy and philosophy to make sure that this game is spread across the length and breadth of the country. It’s not a game that is mutually exclusive to the East Coast.”
Rugby Union SA chief executive Carl Jones said the Wallabies and Wallaroos matches could not have come at a better time for the sport in SA, with 3,200 active players listed for both the men’s and women’s competitions.
“We have a strong and growing rugby community in this state and the opportunity to see the superstars of the sport right here in Adelaide, training and competing, is inspiring and motivating,” he said.
DOUBLE HEADER GAME DETAILS:
Who is playing?
The Australian men’s team, the Wallabies are playing the South African Springboks, after the Australian women’s team, the Wallaroos play the New Zealand Black Ferns.
When is the game and where?
Saturday, August 27 2022 at Adelaide Oval
What time does it start?
Gates open at 11.30am, and the women’s game starts at 12.15pm.
The men’s game starts at 3pm.
How do I get to the game?
Free travel applies to all bus, tram and train services to and from the city all day on Saturday August 27 for those heading to the double header game.
After the second match, Adelaide Oval services are available across metropolitan Adelaide.
How much are tickets and where do I get one?
Tickets are available through Ticketek, ranging in prices from $20 to $250 for premium seats.
What is the significance of the games?
The Wallabies and Springboks have not played in South Australia since 2004, and the Wallaroos women team has not played at Adelaide Oval yet.
Who won the game and what was the score?
In the 2004 Rugby World Championship, last hosted in Adelaide, Australia beat South Africa 30-26.
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