Springboks Rugby

Gayton Found Lying? Minister’s Comments About Springbok vs. All Blacks are Refuted by SuperSport

Pay television broadcaster SuperSport has rejected claims by Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie that the Rugby Championship Tests between the Springboks and All Blacks will be shown on SABC.

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture sparked widespread excitement when he boldly announced that SuperSport agreed that the blue-ribbon fixture between the Springboks and All Blacks will be broadcast on free-to-air channel SABC.

In a rematch of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, the Springboks will host the All Blacks in a Rugby Championship encounter at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 31 August, followed by another showdown between the sides at Cape Town Stadium in the Mother City on 7 September.

Based on the two teams’ form and recent prestige, the two looming instalments in what is arguably the greatest rivalry in all of sport, have sparked great excitement among fans. And McKenzie added hope to further fuel the excitement of those who do not have the SuperSport pay TV service when he said the Tests will be on SABC.

MCKENZIE SPARKS HOPES: AGREEMENT REACHED

McKenzie was speaking at the presidential imbizo in Ekurhuleni on Friday when he made the stunning claim that an agreement has been reached between SuperSport and SABC.

“I’ve got very good news. I met with SuperSport and I am happy to tell you that you will be able to watch the Springboks and New Zealand game, even if you do not have a decoder.”

NO DEAL: DID SUPERSPORT OUT MCKENZIE AS A LIAR?

But SuperSport immediately refuted McKenzie’s claims in strongly worded statement.

“Contrary to news reports, at this stage, SuperSport has not concluded agreements with any broadcaster for the Rugby Championship matches, including the Springboks-All Blacks matches,” read the statement.

“SuperSport will bring the Springboks-All Blacks matches live to DStv viewers,” it concluded.

When pressed on whether he lied about the so-called deal, McKenzie doubled down on his initial statement.

“Nobody lied here, we know the terms and expectation from the right holder for us to make this available, we intent to fully meet those expectations in the interest of the nation. This is not a normal game, this is the anniversary of the most important rugby game. Let talk in a week,” he wrote on X.

Gayton McKenzie’s claims about a deal between SuperSport and SABC have been debunked.
Images via X: @gaytonmck/ @AJVenter7

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