South Africa - Australia set to clash in Asia
February 26, 2002

This year's Nelson Mandel Plate clash between Australia and South Africa is set to take place in either Asia or Europe.

Reports in the Australian media suggest a deal is close to being struck to stage the fixture as a showpiece event for the 15 man code somewhere inb the world other than in one of the two competing countries.

The Nelson Mandel Plate was created last year and is to be contested between the Wallabies and the Springboks in a one off clash each year, outside of their Tri Nations commitments.

Australia took the honours in the opening clash with victory when the two sides played under a closed roof in Melbourne in 2000.

"It is South Africa's call as they are the host of the next Nelson Mandela Plate match," Australian Rugby Union managing director John O'Neill told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"It is still under discussion but it is looking very positive that the test will be played in a location outside of South Africa or Australia."

O'Neill said Tokyo and Hong Kong had both expressed interest in staging the match, while Europe was being considered because both countries are touring there this year.

South African rugby chief Rian Oberholzer is due to meet O'Neill in Sydney next month to discuss the proposal.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices