EP Rugby bosses want to bring the Springboks back to the Bay for a blockbuster Test against one of world rugby’s big gun teams in 2026, president George Malgas says.
After successfully staging Saturday’s Test against Italy at a sold-out Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Malgas said EP Rugby were planning to host an even bigger Test showdown next season.
Though Malgas would not be drawn on which team he wanted to play in the Bay, he could be eyeing a visit by a top-ranked team like France, England, New Zealand or Australia.
He praised Gqeberha fans for bringing the “gees” when the back-to-back world champions outgunned the Italians 45-0 in the Bay.
The tone for the clash was set by Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who was given a rousing reception by 46,000 supporters when he came onto the field holding the World Cup aloft before kickoff.
Zwide-born Kolisi missed out on playing against Italy in his hometown because of a neck injury.
“The people of Nelson Mandela Bay and surrounding areas have given us more ammunition to be bolder and to go after bigger Tests,” Malgas said.
“We are committed to having a Test in the Bay next year as well.
“This weekend has shown that the EP Rugby Union have the ability and competence to stage huge events such as hosting the Springboks in the metro.
“We have shifted the negative perceptions and atmosphere about our city.
“The tide has turned and we are looking to more engagements [with SA Rugby].
“When you look at how things unfolded in several aspects for the Italian Test, it was a huge success.
“EP were central in putting in place all the arrangements in respect of security and vendors.”
Malgas said the Boks’ weeklong visit had brought massive spin-offs for the region.
“The economic spin-offs will probably come to the fore in the next couple of days,” he said.
“On the face of it, all the vendors were occupied and there was a 100 per cent occupancy in the bed-and-breakfast space.
“On top of that top if you took a tour of the city on Saturday evening, after the match, you would have seen the vibe there was in all establishments, restaurants and also in the entertainment sector
“The Test brought a positive vibe to the Eastern Cape.
“I believe EP have shifted the negative perceptions and atmosphere which permeated our rugby space in the past 12 months.
“We have surely shown as an EP executive and leadership of rugby that we are able to deliver and bring a sense of confidence in our ability.
“The mere fact that they [SA Rugby] have seen our capabilities and the hunger of our people.
“We have shown how we can come together and draw upon the collective.
“All this augurs exceptionally well for the future.
“As EP president, I am very proud of all the people of the metro and the regions which surround us who contributed to the success.
“I want to say to say a massive thank you to all of them.”
It was the first time the SA men’s team had been in action at the stadium since 2021, when they played two Tests against Argentina behind closed doors during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Boks love playing in Gqeberha and have turned the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium into an impregnable fortress in recent years.
Thanks to a commanding win over the Azzurri, the Boks stretched their imposing unbeaten record to nine matches at the iconic venue.
The only occasion SA failed to end on the winning side was in 2012 when they were held to a 14-14 draw by England.
The Herald
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