The Gautrain has announced the provision of a free bus service for ticket holders attending the Springboks Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday July 29.
Gautrain Management Agency Chief Operating Officer, Tshepo Kgobe, says the provision of the free bus service to rugby fans this weekend, follows a similar initiative during the Nedbank Cup Final when Gautrain trains and busses were released to ferry spectators to Loftus Versfeld Stadium (Hatfield) free of charge.
“Our provision of these free services is in tandem with and support of the province’s strategy of rebuilding the economy of Gauteng, with big sporting events as a great tool to boost the economy of the province. Gautrain would like to reposition itself as a mobility of choice in the province as we transport the province to work, but also places of fun and entertainment,” added Kgobe.
The free bus transfer from Gautrain Park Station to Emirates Airline Park is only for match ticket holders who travel by Gautrain. Standard train and parking fees will apply.
The first bus will leave Gautrain Park Station for Emirates Airline Park at 1pm and the last bus will leave Emirates Airline Park for Gautrain Park Station at 8pm.
Meanwhile, Springbok lock Marvie Orie said he was excited to return to Ellis Park – which he regards as the “home of the Springboks” for the team’s final Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against Argentina and he said he expected a thorough test.
The teams will cross paths at the iconic stadium at 5pm in the closing match of the shortened 2023 version of the competition, and if Australia defeats New Zealand in Melbourne the Boks will know exactly what they need to do to clinch the title by the time they take the field.
“When I think of Emirates Airline Park I think of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, and what that did for rugby and the country,” said Orie.
“Personally, I perceive it to be the home of the Springboks. Altitude is also a factor at the stadium, and hopefully we can take advantage of that. They are tough and feisty guys, and they don’t back off. But we revel in those contests, and we are excited about this weekend.”
Orie looked forward to lining up in the engine room alongside Eben Etzebeth, who will become the fourth most capped Springbok of all time on Saturday when he surpasses former Bok hooker and captain John Smit’s 111 caps.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
