Ticket sales for the second Test between South Africa and France in Durban was on Friday described by the Sharks Rugby Union as sluggish.

According to Sharks Public Relations Officer Megan Harris, there are still 6000 tickets remaining, a downward trend based on past Tests played in Durban. One of the reasons could be the thorny issue of ticket prices, which for the Durban match is R250 a ticket.

According to the South African Rugby Football Union CEO Rian Oberholzer, the national body asks the host venue for a guaranteed sum in return for hosting the Test. In Durban's case, Oberholzer said Sarfu expected R3.3 million. If that sum is divided into the expected crowd figure of 52 000, then Sarfu wants R63,46 from the Natal Union.

The issue of exorbitant Test ticket prices reached a zenith last season when former Springbok coach Nick Mallett was ostensibly fired for speaking out about the issue. He was hauled before a disciplinary committee for speaking out against his employees.

Sharks CEO Brian van Zyl confirmed the host union sets the ticket prices, saying that it was relative. "The prices are relative to matches around the world," said van Zyl, "In Australia they fork out A$75."

The prices at Ellis Park were also R250, but in Port Elizabeth the prices for the main stand are going at R125, while the open stand tickets are going for R50. Public Relations Officer for the Eastern Province Union Debbie Ellis said sales for the one-off Test against Italy next week are going well, with 10 000 tickets already sold.

Another reason for the lower than average ticket sales could also be Bok coach Harry Viljoen's selection policy. A host of Sharks players were expected to make the squad but did not - an issue that may well have played a role in Durban's less than enthusiastic response. - Sapa