The South African Rugby Union (Saru) announced that another air show will take place before the third test match between South Africa and New Zealand, which will be held at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday.
This decision was made following widespread public outcry caused by an Airlink flight path during the second test match in Cape Town. At that time, two aircraft flew extremely close to the roof of the DHL Stadium, with subsequent reports indicating that the second aircraft was only 15 meters above the structure.
Videos of this maneuver circulated on social media, sparking mass criticism due to potential danger. Nevertheless, Airlink defended its route by providing data from its black box and insisting that the routine execution complied with 'approved and rehearsed safety height and speed limits for the flypast.'
The airline also clarified that both flights were operated by highly qualified crews, each consisting of three senior captains holding the positions of pilot-in-command, second pilot, and technical/safety specialist.
South African Sports Minister, Gethon McKenzie, also positively commented on the display, posting on X: 'It is well known that we have the best pilots in the world; it was spectacular.'
Despite critics considering this high-risk stunt a potentially dangerous incident, low-altitude flypasts remain a beloved tradition in South African rugby, most vividly associated with the 1995 Rugby World Cup final between the Springboks and All Blacks.
The series of four matches is currently tied at 1:1, with two more games remaining, culminating in the historic final on September 12th in Baltimore, USA.
On Monday, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus announced the squad for the third test, making four changes and one positional swap in the starting lineup.