South Africa, July 23 -- There was a time when the Springboks were more than just a rugby team. They were a symbol of unity. Of hope. Of what the country could be when we stood together.

From that unforgettable day in 1995 when Nelson Mandela handed the Webb Ellis Cup to Francois Pienaar, to more recent wins in 2019 and 2023, the Boks have played a vital role in South Africa's collective spirit.

But today, that very brand, once the great unifier, is slowly drifting out of reach for the average South African. Not because of performance. Not because of politics. But because of the price.

Attending a Boks Test match has become a luxury experience. Ticket prices for the Australia game start around R1,050 and quickly escalate to R3,500 for ...