The continued uncertainty over where and how the Springboks' battle with the British & Irish Lions will take place means it's only estimations, but the South African economy will be left with a gaping hole if a fully-fledged tour with fans doesn't take place locally.
Leading economists - based on SA Rugby reportedly projecting more than R6 billion in direct and indirect spending during the tour - agree that the potential loss of economic activity will be substantial, with one even opining that the figure errs on the safe side.
"I think R6 billion for a five-week tour is quite conservative," Mike Schussler, chief at Economists.co.za, told Sport24.
