Yes, ladies and gents, the great rugby machine that is South Africa is about to wake from its festive slumber, and it’s keen to begin stretching those butt-kicking muscles. You guessed it, it’s almost Super Rugby time.

And Super Rugby team of course means it’s warm up game time. But since we’ve gotten used to winning, we don’t do things by half measures here in South Africa anymore. Not even warming up.

That’s where the second Annual Neo Africa Tri Series comes in.

The DHL Stormers, Sharks, and Lions will be facing off in a three-match tournament at Newlands intended to test the mettle of each side ahead of this year’s Super 15.

And the Neo Africa tri-Series launch, hosted by Club Newlands, WP Rugby, and presented by FNB is an opportunity for you to pick the brains of the coaches, captains, and players of the three teams during the Q&A session.

R30 gets you a ticket to the launch, and includes a free drink, not to mention endless shoulder rubbing with our modern gladiators (well done if you’re tall enough to make it to their shoulders). But, uhm, you should know that Club Newlands members get in for R15. The price of a boerie roll. Come on.

You can get your tickets from Quay Four, starting this Thursday the 20th of January.

Tickets go on sale today are available online at clubnewlands.co.za, as well as all Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets as well as on the Computicket website, and from the Newlands Box Office from 25 January 2011.

Friday 28 January: DHL Stormers vs. Lions (19h00 kick off)
Tuesday 1 February: Lions vs. Sharks (19h00 kick off)
Saturday 5 February: DHL Stormers vs. Sharks (17h00 kick off)