Rugby scores record high at Adelaide Oval

Close to 37,000 spectators have celebrated the return of international rugby at Adelaide Oval.

In a perfect Saturday afternoon showcase of elite men’s Rugby, South Africa and Australia put on an entertaining game in front of a record high crowd of 36,336 people.

Pubs, cafes and restaurants were packed with rugby fans, proudly wearing their team colors, with tens of thousands converging on Adelaide Oval in time for the 3pm men’s kick off.

While the Wallaroos were beaten by the New Zealand Black Ferns in the first match of the day, the Wallabies matched it with the Springboks, taking control of the game to win by 8 points.

The largest Rugby crowd previously was the 2003 Rugby World Cup Australia v Namibia match, with an attendance of 28,196.

Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said the buzz around Adelaide Oval was electric.

"I want to thank the 36,336 people who came along to support this historic double header," she said.

"We love an international event, and today Adelaide Oval was an absolute cauldron of fan passion and pride.

"We’ve not only put on a world-class event, but we have put South Australia front and centre for future international Rugby matches, and that’s important as we build our event calendar and attract more high calibre fixtures to our state."

Andy Marinos, Rugby Australia Chief Executive Officer said it has been a fantastic event for Rugby in Adelaide – and to be able to bring both Rugby World Cup holders to Adelaide to play our Wallabies and Wallaroos.

"The crowd and the atmosphere have been incredible – as has the Rugby. The community has welcomed us enthusiastically, and I know everyone involved has loved being back in Adelaide," he said.

"We want to use this event to keep growing Rugby in South Australia – and we certainly do not plan to wait another 18 years to come back!"