Springboks vs Wallabies: South Africa aims for redemption amid fan fury over ticket prices

Cape Talk's Clarence Ford chats to Rugby365 Editor Jan de Koning.

Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below:

Springbok fans are bracing for a high-stakes clash against Australia on Saturday in Cape Town, with hopes pinned on a stronger, more composed side following last week's disappointing defeat at Ellis Park.

"It was just one of those weekends to remind us that we sometimes need to work a bit harder... We can rectify it this weekend."

- Jan de Koning, Editor - Rugby365 

ALSO READ: ‘Back to basics’ for Springboks rematch against Australia in Cape Town 

Ten changes have been made to the squad, with key players like Handré Pollard and Cheslin Kolbe returning, and the Bomb Squad bench rebalanced for impact. 

ALSO READ: South Africa vs Australia in Cape Town: 'Boklash is coming!' - Tim Cocker, Eggchasers Rugby 

"We are not going to make the same mistakes we did last week by trying to run them and then playing into their hands and making mistakes, and they capitalise on our mistakes. We will be playing a different, tighter game."

- Jan de Koning, Editor - Rugby365 

"A wounded beast is a very different beast."

- Jan de Koning, Editor - Rugby365 

Beyond the game, mounting anger surrounds the cost of test match tickets, which are pricing out most Springboks fans. 

Critics argue that SA Rugby has become 'power-hungry', centralising ticket control and prioritising profit over accessibility. 

Spectators expressed frustration over empty seats at last week’s match and voiced concerns that inflated prices are undermining the spirit of national unity the Springboks represent.

With only two home tests left this year, including one in Durban, there are growing fears that this model may backfire in the long term. 

Fans and pundits warn that unless ticket pricing becomes more inclusive, the sport risks losing its connection with everyday South Africans, even as the team fights to defend its dominance on the field.

ALSO READ: SA Rugby defends Test ticket prices: 'It costs enormous amount of money to run Springboks' 

"If you can't sell out a test against Australia anymore, then there's something wrong with your system. SARU has gone power hungry, and they've got it all wrong. The sheer number of empty seats tells me you're wrong."

- Jan de Koning, Editor - Rugby365

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