Stormers come out on top
The stats compare as follows for 2004:
South Africa:
Stormers 189 355 Average: 37 871
Sharks 199 469 Average: 33 245
Bulls 166 110 Average: 27 685
Cats 107 152 Average: 21 430
Australia
Waratahs 170 052 Average: 34 010
Brumbies 180 073 Average: 22 584
Reds 118 710 Average: 19 785
New Zealand
Blues 146 268 Average: 29 254
Crusaders 191 122 Average: 27 303
Hurricanes 123 351 Average: 24 670
Chiefs 105 500 Average: 17 583
Highlanders 60 041 Average: 12 008
South Africa recorded a total attendance of 662 086 for 2004 – the highest of the three countries. (New Zealand was the highest in 2002 & 2003). South Africa showed greater attendances in 1999 (Stormers home semi-final) and 2001 (Cats vs Sharks home semi-final). The Sharks have a higher total attendance of 199 469 compared to the Stormers, but hosted 6 home matches, compared to the five of the Stormers.
Once again the Stormers continued to attract the highest average crowds to matches out of all 12 teams (37 871), followed by the Waratahs (34 010), Sharks (33 245) and Blues (29 254)
Australia recorded its highest total crowd figures for Super 12 since 1996 in 2004, with a total attendance of 469 435. The Brumbies went on to win the tournament. The Brumbies record a highest total attendance for Australia with 180 073, but hosted 8 matches (including a semi-final and final), compared to the 5 hosted in Sydney by the Waratahs.
New Zealand recorded a total attendance of 626 282, well down from their figures in 2003 (when the Blues went on to win the Super 12 with an unbeaten record). The decrease in attendance in 2004 can also be attributed to a relatively poor showing (by New Zealand standards) in the Rugby World Cup at the end of 2003.
The New Zealand teams also had much stronger competition from SA and Australian teams in 2004, despite having two teams in the semi-finals and one team in the finals. The Blues as defending champions show the highest average crowd figures amongst the New Zealand teams. The Crusaders follow shortly behind them, but did host an additional home game – semi final.
