Johannesburg – The streets surrounding Johannesburg’s Ellis Park stadium were closed at 11:00 on Saturday for the big rugby face-off between the Springboks and the All Blacks, Johannesburg Metro Police said.With the stadium sold out for the clash between South Africa and world champions New Zealand, Senior Superintendent Wayne Minnaar encouraged supporters to use Park and Ride facilities to get there.
Supporters should also choose a designated driver in case celebrations or commiserations get out of hand after the match.
”Drinking and driving will not be tolerated,” said Minnaar.
To make sure you get there in time to see the All Blacks’ famous Haka ahead of the 17:00 kick-off, Minnaar wanted rugby fans to know that in that area, Bertrams Road will be blocked between Joe Slovo and Albertina Sisulu Drive; Beit Street will be closed; the left lane of Sievewright Street will be closed, the whole of Voorhout, and Upper Railways Streets would also be closed.
The roads would only reopen after 20:00.
People who need to pass through the area to get to other parts of the city, should use Claim Street, Nugget Street, and Anderson Street.
Pick-up points for the Park and Ride include the University of Johannesburg’s Doornfontein Campus field and Park Station.
Otherwise, Jeppe Boys High School has set up a park and shuttle option.
Meanwhile, rugby fans have already taken to social media as excitement builds before the match.
PH
