SuperSport, SABC join hands to broadcast Boks-All Blacks Test

The SABC will broadcast Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test between the Springboks and All Blacks at Ellis Park, with kick-off at 5pm.

SuperSport, the rights holders to the Springboks’ matches, agreed to partner with the SABC, following talks involving SA Rugby and the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture.

“We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to SuperSport for collaborating with the SABC, which allows all South Africans to be a part of this historic event,” said Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union.

“This partnership is a major milestone for our sport, showcasing the advances we’ve made over the last thirty years and reaffirming our dedication to promoting social unity.

“As we honour this tradition, we take pride in embracing our diversity as a strength, both in the game and within our organisation.”

The Boks lead the way in the Rugby Championship following their two wins in Australia, while the All Blacks have one win and a loss behind them following their two matches against Argentina.

‘Join hands’

SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha said: “Having had discussions with Saru and Minister Gayton McKenzie, we decided to join hands in celebration of 30 years of democracy. It is fitting that we have partnered with the SABC on this one particular occasion to bring this match to television viewers.

“This special match between the two great rugby-playing nations sits at the centre of the birth of democracy in our country, coupled to the fact that it is exactly 30 years ago that the Springboks and the All Blacks clashed for the first time in the post-election era; hence the broadcasting of this particular match by both SuperSport and the SABC in this once-off celebration.”

1995 Rugby World Cup

The SABC Group Chief Executive Officer, Nomsa Chabeli, said: “We are delighted that we have worked tirelessly to ensure that the larger part of the South African population experience the rugby euphoria this weekend.

“The SABC has historically played a pivotal role in recording the successful story of the national rugby team for many decades and has been part of celebrating their key milestones, including the SABC being a host broadcaster of the 1995 World Cup.

“The SABC takes pride in fulfilling its commitment to providing universal access to sport of national interest and enabling South African citizens to enjoy and be part of the national moments. The SABC’s extensive reach and footprint allow for a wider access to the game of such national importance as part of celebrating 30 years of democracy.”