Scotland’s clash with New Zealand expected to sell out

SCOTLAND’S opening EMC Test against New Zealand this autumn is heading for a sell-out, with the SRU announcing yesterday that nearly 50,000 tickets have already been sold for the match at Murrayfield.

Andy Robinson’s men take on the All Blacks in Edinburgh on Sunday 11 November, with a 2.30pm kick-off. The Scots then face South Africa on Saturday 17 November at 2.30pm, also at Murrayfield, and then head to Pittodrie in Aberdeen for the final Test against Tonga on  Saturday 24 November (3pm).

The SRU is hailing a recent marketing drive – which includes prime-time TV adverts which began on Monday night – for the fast pace of ticket sales for the New Zealand match. It said that more tickets have been sold at this juncture than attended the corresponding match against New Zealand at Murrayfield in 2005, while the home  attendances in 2008 and 2010 are also on track to be surpassed.

“Based on the current daily ticket sales we are on our way to a capacity crowd (67,144) against world champions New Zealand on 11 November and there’s an equally encouraging trend being reported for our two other EMC Tests against South Africa and Tonga later in November,” said the SRU’s director of commercial operations, communications and public affairs, Dominic McKay. “We’ve introduced some new options for supporters this year, the EMC Tests pass, our group offer for clubs and schools and our Debenture  Season pass and the response from our fans is heartening.

“Our fans also recognise our EMC Tests matter and will affect the standings for the 2015 Rugby World Cup draw which takes place in London in December.”

More than 36,000 tickets have been sold for the match against South Africa, which has already beaten the 35,555 who were present when the Springboks last visited Murrayfield and lost 21-17 in 2010, while more than half the 18,000 tickets available for Pittodrie match have been snapped up.

Tickets for all three matches – ranging from £7.50 to £50 –are available online at www.scottishrugby.org, via the 24-hour credit card hotline 0844 335 3933 or in person from the  ticket centre at Murrayfield.