Bok bug bites Bay

HOTELS, guesthouses, B&Bs and eateries in Port Elizabeth will be filled to capacity this weekend as the Springboks prepare to take on Ireland in the third test at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium tomorrow. Demand for rooms and tickets spiked following the Springboks’ 32-26 victory over Ireland at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Bok coach Allister Coetzee said yesterday a stadium filled to capacity would be an intimidating place for Ireland in their bid to make history by securing a first series win on South African soil.

Stadium operator Access Management was unable to give an exact sales figure yesterday, but it is believed that fewer than 7 000 of the 43 000 tickets remain.

The cheapest ticket available is R275, but a source said there were not too many left.

A rush for tickets is expected at Ticketpro outlets today as fans look to secure seats for the series decider.

“It is always nice to play in front of an enthusiastic crowd like the one in Port Elizabeth,” Coetzee said.

“It is one of my favourite places to watch test rugby and, surely, to play at.

“Everyone will hear how the national anthem is sung with full voice.

“That will be intimidating if you have not been at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium before.”

Tomorrow’s game will be the fourth test played at the stadium.

The Boks have won two – against New Zealand in 2011 and Scotland in 2014 – and drawn one, against England in 2012.

Bok prop Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira said the winner-takes-all clash would be a high-pressure cup final battle, where the margins for error would be small.

“This is why you play rugby, and it is a final,” he said.

“This is a high-pressure match and there will not be many opportunities. We will have to take the ones that come our way. “There is a big buzz in the camp. “We have got some confidence now, so we can go into this game and believe we can do it.”

Bok assistant coach Matt Proudfoot has predicted “a war”.

“The Irish know they have an opportunity. They are not going to back out of this challenge,” he said.

“I think it is going to be fantastic. We’re looking at a big crowd at this beautiful stadium.

“Knowing how passionate the country is about the Springbok brand is special. The players realise that responsibility.”

Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber chief executive Kevin Hustler said the organisation welcomed the economic boost the clash would mean for city coffers.

“We hope to see the business community reaping the rewards as we welcome the overseas and domestic tourists,” he said.

“We call on the public to show their support for the Bokke by watching the game on Saturday – whether in the stadium or at home – and to live up to our proud name of the Friendly City when dealing with visitors.”

According to Port Elizabeth Metro Bed and Breakfast Association chairwoman Shena Wilmot, the organisation’s 100 member establishments are fully booked.

“I do not know anyone with accommodation at the moment. Everyone is choc-a-block,” she said.

“[Visitors] predominantly want to stay at the beachfront but, at the moment, I think they will be willing to get a bed anywhere.

“There are lots of people still looking for accommodation.”

Clifford Hanks, owner of the Beachwalk Bed and Breakfast in Summerstrand, said two of his 10 rooms had been booked by Irish visitors for the entire week.

“I only have one room open on Friday. The rest of the weekend is fully booked,” he said.

Radisson Blu general manager Desmond O’Connor said the beachfront hotel was fully booked for the weekend.

“We see this kind of demand whenever there is a huge sporting event in the city, so we should definitely try to attract more events,” he said.

Port Elizabeth Hotel Group spokesman Lin-Maré Reeves-Williams said the Beach Hotel and Hacklewood Hill Country House had been fully booked since the end of last month. “International events always have a huge impact on occupancies in the city,” she said.

“It is not only the accommodation establishments that benefit, but the city as a whole, including shopping centres, restaurants and basically any service provider ... from taxis to hotdog vendors.”

Charl Britz, the manager of Barney’s Tavern on the beachfront, said: “We do expect big numbers for the rugby. We are going to be choc-a-block.”

Avis Rent A Car operations executive Corne Langenhoven said fans had made their travel arrangements well in advance and that they were fully booked.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism chief executive Mandlakazi Skefile said: “Events of this nature are a great opportunity to close the gap where tourism figures decline outside of the traditional high season, while at the same time promoting the destination and encouraging travel in both the domestic and international markets.

“Should spectators still need accommodation, [we] encourage them to phone the offices on (041) 582-2575 as we can assist from a consolidated list of accommodation facilities.”

Tourism specialist Peter Myles said international sporting matches benefited a city in various ways.

“Not only are the overnight stays and spending in the city wonderful, but these international events bring a lot of media attention,” he said.

“There are international [media] crews here and the match will be broadcast on various channels around the world.

“Commentators will be mentioning the city’s name and beautiful visuals of the city will be screened as well.

“These teams have huge contingents and supporters following them, and research has shown that if an event is successful, first-time visitors come back for a holiday within four years.”

An SA Rugby Union (Saru) spokesman said the team’s contingent in the Bay consisted of 26 players, while the management team comprised 13 people.

Port Elizabeth Weather Office senior forecaster Quinton Jacobs said tomorrow’s conditions would be perfect for a great game of rugby. “The temperature around kickoff is expected to be in the region of 16°C. Surface wind would be moderate to fresh south-westerly – 30km/h.”

On Wednesday, Saru launched its seventh Boks for Books library at the Walmer Primary School as its corporate social investment programme continues to uplift communities through literacy countrywide.

The library is housed in a special mobile container and is fully stocked with books and audio visual equipment funded by Saru.