Autumn Tests 'are just a money-spinner'

Monday 30 November 2009
Published By: Ben Welch
International Rugby > South Africa

The validity of having autumn internationals at all has been questioned by a South African fan.

Writing for the Richmark Sentinel, Dave Papenfus argued that the Springboks' abysmal performance on a tour that saw them win only one of five games is down to the number of times players are expected to take to the field.

He recalled Jake White's decision to rest men before the 2007 World Cup, noting that it turned out to be a "masterstroke".

And with the sole victory having come against an Italian side the Springboks would be expected to beat in their sleep, he asked: "What really was achieved by this end of year tour to Europe other than to fill the coffers?"

But it's not just the autumn internationals that are generating huge amounts of cash - as SA Rugby itself recently revealed that almost ten per cent of South Africa's travel and tourism gross domestic product was generated by the recent Lions tour.