Bok fever hits Cape Town as 62,000 fans head to DHL Stadium for All Blacks Test

The city of Cape Town is abuzz with excitement as rugby fans prepare for a historic showdown between the Springboks and the All Blacks. An estimated 62,000 supporters are expected to gather at the sold-out DHL Stadium on Saturday, with thousands more filling venues throughout the metropolis to catch the high-stakes Test match. For those unable to make it to the stadium, the event will still have a significant impact on city life, with road closures around Green Point and the stadium starting at 6am, and heavy traffic anticipated as fans make their way into the city before the 5:10pm kickoff.

Stadium gates will open at noon, giving eager supporters ample time to enjoy the pre-game atmosphere. To accommodate the influx of visitors, MyCiTi shuttles will operate from various locations, including the Civic Centre, Thibault Square, CTICC, UCT, and Bellville Velodrome, while additional train services are in the works to ease congestion.

Those without tickets can still join in the Bok fever, with Mojo Market in Sea Point, Unplugged Fan Park at Century City Square, and Foresters Arms in Newlands offering alternative viewing spots.

The Springboks aim to rebound from their recent 33-16 loss to the All Blacks at Ellis Park, with a late change to the coaching staff due to Handre Pollard's calf injury. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu replaces Pollard at No. 10, Manie Libbok joins the bench, and Cheslin Kolbe returns to the wing after recovering from a previous injury.

As this will be the second of four Tests between the teams, a loss would leave the Springboks trailing 2-0 in the series. Encouraged to arrive early and utilize public transportation, fans can expect an unforgettable experience as they rally behind their team in a clash of rugby's most storied rivals.