A similar call for support was issued by the Australian Rugby Union in the wake of their opening Test defeat to the Lions in Brisbane eight years ago after British and Irish supporters had all but turned the Suncorp Stadium into a home ground for the tourists.

On that occasion, the invitation to wear gold, gold and more gold was duly accepted by the Australian public, with the end result being a 2-1 series victory for the Wallabies.

Having witnessed a disappointing turn out for each of the six warm-up fixtures on the 2009 tour, the Bok hierarchy are hoping that their own statement of intent will encourage the people of South Africa to get behind the world champions by turning out in force at the ABSA Stadium this weekend.

With numbers behind them, the Boks will aim to follow their Australian counterparts in sending the Lions home with a series defeat to their name.

"They (Lions fans) will be out in force on Saturday," said SARU acting managing director and former Wales centre Andy Marinos.

"Every four years stadiums across the southern hemisphere are awash in red and the Springboks are calling on all their fans to show their support.

"Peter (de Villiers), John (Smit) and the team are looking for your support and we want to turn the stadium into a sea of green.

"Wear jerseys, scarves, caps, t-shirts and wave flags - so long as it's green and show your support for the Boks."