Rugby World Cup

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South Africa's World Cup-winning skipper John Smit has backed the country's bid to host the tournament for a second time © Getty Images

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Players/Officials John Smit

Tournaments/Tours Rugby World Cup

Teams South Africa

South Africa has submitted what it believes to be "a compelling case" to the International Rugby Board as they aim to bring the Rugby World Cup back to the scene of some of the most enduring images in the sport's history.

South African Rugby Union deputy president Mark Alexander and former Springbok captain and manager Morne du Plessis put forward a half-hour presentation detailing their plans to utilise the stadia completed for the 2010 football World Cup alongside traditional rugby venues for the tournament in either 2015 or 2019. The bid outlined the capacity for 2.8m tickets to be sold for the tournament, with the opening game and final taking place at the 91,000 capacity National Stadium in Johannesburg.

The South African bid has the full backing of the government, including the costly tournament guarantee having been underwritten in part.

"Thanks to the support of our Government and the incredible investment in infrastructure and new stadiums, we believe we can present a very strong case for a South African Rugby World Cup," said Alexander. "Our bid is based on three principles: We believe South Africa offers the most dramatic stage to showcase the game of rugby; we can produce a commercially lucrative tournament; and we have a hosting environment and a readiness to deliver that is arguably second to none."

With the financial implications surrounding the 2011 tournament in New Zealand Alexander was also keen to play up the attractive proposition on offer not only for spectators but also broadcasters.

"We have the benefit of being in the most attractive time zone for broadcasters and sponsors while we have tremendous capacity in our stadiums and hospitality industry to host large numbers of guests."

South Africa won the tournament on its massively successful staging in France in 2007, and their World Cup-winning skipper John Smit believes that players and fans alike would be honoured to host the tournament for the second time following the iconic images of Nelson Mandela handing the trophy to Springbok skipper Francois Pienaar in 1995.

"The Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle of the game and the ultimate stage for any player," said Smit. "It would be a huge honour for South Africa to host another World Cup. We're ready and waiting."

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