SA Rugby dismisses reports of low ticket sales for England Test at Ellis Park

In a media advisory issued on Friday, the governing body described forecasts that attendance would be "little more than 21,000" as "entirely erroneous and misinformed".

However, SA Rugby did lower ticket prices without prior announcement on July 2 in a bid to boost attendance ahead of Saturday's match.

The organisation said it remains hopeful of attracting a crowd close to the historic average for Tests against England in South Africa, where fixtures between the two nations have typically filled the stadium to 91% capacity.

It also rejected suggestions that there is a lack of interest in the clash, noting that supporters currently have tickets on sale for a packed rugby schedule that includes four Springbok Tests and two provincial fixtures against the touring All Blacks.

"Assertions of lack of interest are unfounded and not supported by the actual sales data," SA Rugby said.

Reports predicting a lower-than-expected attendance cited factors including steep ticket prices, the scheduling of multiple major tests in the Gauteng region, and Ellis Park's location in Johannesburg's inner city as possible reasons for a lack of ticket sales.

The Lions, who play their home games at Ellis Park, regularly struggle to attract crowds to the venue.

Saturday's Nations Championship clash between the Boks and England at Ellis Park kicks off at 17:40.