Mandela Cup set for Johannesburg
July 25, 2002

The Tri Nations clash between South Africa and Austraila at Ellis Park on August 17 will take on added meaning with the news that both sides will also be playing for the Nelson Mandela Cup.

The bi-annual fixture between the two countries was first played in Melbourne in 2000, with Australia running out winners 44-23.

"The confirmation that the Nelson Mandela Cup will be at stake for the Ellis Park fixture will give the occasion added significance," said SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd managing director Rian Oberholzer.

"It will be the first time that the Springboks will play for the Cup on home soil and it will take place at a venue that has fond memories for the Springboks and their association with President Mandela. We look forward to paying tribute to Mr Mandela on this special occasion," he said.

There had been talk of contesting the cup in a one off Test perhaps in Europe or Asia but the already busy calendar has made that impossible.

"As holders of the Cup, there is an extra incentive for us to defend it," said Australian Rugby Union CEO John O Neill.

"Nelson Mandela is revered in Australia and with good reason. He is a great example to people of all nations, but naturally we hope he won't mind too much if we manage to keep the Cup in Australia. It will be a great tussle between two great rugby teams," he said.

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