The Marvel-inspired jerseys is a world first for rugby union and many fans joined in the "gees" by dressing up as their favourite super heroes. It was also a fun day out for the family, with hordes of kids getting their first taste of a live rugby match and a glimpse of their favourite super heroes.
The first match was between the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, with the three-time Vodacom Super Rugby runners up from Johannesburg winning by 19-14.
Replacement wing Sylvian Mahuza showed his pace after pouncing on a Cell C Sharks mistake to clinch the win for the Emirates Lions, whose other tries came from Springboks Malcolm Marx and Courtnall Skosan, with Elton Jantjies adding two conversions.
The Cell C Sharks' tries were scored by Makazole Mapimpi and Akker van der Merwe and both were converted by Curwin Bosch.
The second match delivered a total of nine tries - seven of them in the first half. The DHL Stormers won 33-28 thanks to a late try by their captain, Chris van Zyl, and some resolute defence in the dying minutes.
The home team raced to a 21-0 lead thanks to tries by Seabelo Senatla, Josh Stander and SP Marais, while Juarno Augustus added a fourth befor the break. Marais (2), Stander and Damien Willemse added conversions.
The Vodacom Bulls recovered from their slow start with tries by Handre Pollard, Ivan van Zyl and Warrick Gelant, while a second-half five-pointer by Paul Schoeman put the men from Pretoria in the lead in the third quarter. Pollard added three conversions and Manie Libbok one.
It was a wonderful occasion and while the teams used the matches to fine tune their preparations for the competition, which starts in less than two weeks' time, the fans showed they are ready for the new Vodacom Super Rugby season.
