Severe weather threatens Springboks-All Blacks clash as fans urged to take caution

Springboks

Johannesburg – Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and damaging winds are expected across parts of South Africa on Saturday, raising safety concerns for thousands of rugby fans travelling to Johannesburg for the Springboks’ decisive clash against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium.

Authorities have placed emergency and disaster-response teams on high alert as dangerous weather threatens several provinces.

The newspaper reported that an orange Level 5 warning had been issued for parts of the Northern Cape, while the Free State, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal were also expected to experience severe conditions.

In Johannesburg, the weather could coincide with the much-anticipated Test, which kicks off at 5.10pm on Saturday. The Citizen reported that severe weather could bring heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds around the time of the match.

Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson Kagiso Phasha urged residents to exercise caution.

“We urge motorists to slow down, maintain a safe following distance and avoid flooded roads. Pedestrians should avoid walking through flooded areas and stay away from fast-flowing water.”

The warning comes as tens of thousands of spectators are expected at FNB Stadium for the third Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, with South Africa and New Zealand level at 1-1 after two matches.

Despite the concerns, SA Rugby has indicated that the match will go ahead.

SA Rugby head of communications Andy Colquhoun said there was “no threat of the match being cancelled”, adding that standard safety procedures would be used to temporarily stop or delay play if lightning was detected nearby.

Picture: X/@Springboks

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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