Boks are 'free' to broader public

The SABC is the big loser in the broadcast stand-off surrounding the Springboks.

It was revealed on Friday that another freed-to-air broadcaster, e.tv, has stepped in to fill the gap left when the SABC decided to can the Boks in a childish rant over conditions attached by rights holder Super Sport.

SuperSport and e.tv reached a once-off agreement to broadcast Saturday's second test between South Africa and England on the free-to-air broadcaster at 10pm (22.00).

The announcement comes after the South African Rugby Union on Tuesday said it was disappointed that Springbok test matches would not be available on free-to-air television, following the SABC's decision not to show the Springbok Test matches on television.

In a joint statement on Friday, Happy Ntshingila, CEO of SuperSport, said he was pleased that attempts to make the match available to free-to-air television viewers had come to fruition, despite the short notice.

Monde Twala, Group Head of e.tv Channels Division said the channel was excited to be airing the match.

"e.tv is excited to have the Springboks on our channel," Twala said.

"Although this is a once-off deal, we will always welcome the opportunity to ensure that the majority of South Africans are able to view their national heroes.

"We would have liked to have the opportunity to broadcast the Test matches a bit earlier but given our schedule and time constraints this was impossible."

The SABC announced on Tuesday that its policy henceforth would be to broadcast only sporting events to which it had the live rights.

SuperSport owns the rights to broadcast all Springbok rugby matches, but may also sell the rights to other broadcasters, on condition that said broadcaster does not do live broadcasts of matches.

SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said in earlier media dispatches that the SABC had been dissatisfied with "certain clauses" pertaining to advertising and time constraints.

SARU welcomed the news that e.tv was on board.

"We're delighted to say that all South African rugby supporters will be able to see all 80 minutes of Saturday's Test match on either satellite or free-to-air TV," said Jurie Roux, CEO of SARU.

"We have been working tirelessly with our partners SuperSport behind the scenes in an attempt to ensure that the game was available on TV to all supporters. We're delighted that e.tv have taken up the option."

The arrangement was made following the SABC's childish rants this week about certain conditions imposed by the rights holders, SuperSport.

"It was very disappointing that some supporters were unable to see the first Test but we have been able to find a solution in short space of time and trust that we will be able to continue to make Springbok Tests available on free-to-air television," said Roux.

The third and final Test in the series takes place in Port Elizabeth on 23 June.