An initial quick look over the RFU stadium's scheduled activities and, alas, once more no the pop superstar. No Bills, Bills, Bills for the RFU chief for now. Actually, the RFU's plan to stage further live performances and thus fund its £660m rebuild has met with a temporary hold-up.
An official document, obtained by a major newspaper, states: “Given the uncertainty concerning the ability of train services to accommodate the predicted increase in commuters, there exist serious issues about the extra pressure put on the transport and highway network by attendees and the question of whether this need can be effectively handled. This will probably lead to a significant nuisance for Twickenham residents.”
The issue is not impossible to solve but it's hard to find many regular matchgoers who think otherwise.
Simultaneously, a three-hour committee meeting on Tuesday to debate the stadium's operational proposal demonstrated that there have been 192 complaints, 13 in favour. An outcome is expected next week but the final decision will be final in an ongoing effort that will roll into next year.
For now, the union’s predicament was neatly summed up following an intended summer performance was abruptly transferred to a much smaller but more modern London O2.
Obviously the stadium fails to pull in the level of performers it requires to best make use of its 82,000-seater stadium because of present arrangements and limitations.
But the RFU’s determination to maximise its main property leads us directly to this weekend's match at Twickenham.
It promises to be an exciting finale to the most captivating rugby competition for some time, more than 70,000 are anticipated and it is certainly a money-making enterprise.
The match is managed by ISI and an industry expert, who has years of experience doing similar in Barbarians matches at the stadium and states, “similar to other ventures it's often motivated by financial considerations. It's reasonable to state all parties involved are content with what they’ve entered into.”
Argentina are the “home” side – just as they were against Australia back in 2016 – and they initiated the move to reach out to Twickenham.
They are set to earn much greater returns compared to hosting the match was held back home, which represents a very timely financial injection given there is no the annual tournament next year and operationally it is sensible.
Transportation after the previous fixture in Durban is more forgiving while all but one of their starting lineup this weekend are based in the UK or France.
South Africa are the away side, basically taking part, however, this represents the third instance over three seasons they compete in a game in London without England's participation.
The organization, accordingly, obtains a substantial rental payment plus additional income from concession sales which are expected to be similar to a home nations match considering the large attendance that is expected.
As Sweeney has admitted, the stadium is the union's primary revenue source.
Is it any wonder the organization is more frequently allowing other teams access their revenue stream when they agree to fund it?
South Africa may simply be happy to take part yet it's not accidental this match is considered most suitable to host in London.
According to a source lately, the Springboks operate across continents these days through their domestic teams competing in the URC.
The overseas population in the UK guarantees ticket sales and the timing is sympathetic to fans in South Africa.
They visit the stadium confident that it won't hurt to their ambitions to strengthen their brand worldwide, particularly if they secure victory on England’s turf in style.
They will also host the Kiwis for an extensive competition next summer, that will develop into a recurring bilateral arrangement, and a fourth “neutral” Test is under discussion, most likely in Europe, possibly back at Saturday’s venue.
The team could be the away side on Saturday however, it's noteworthy that Bongi Mbonambi could equal the English player's achievement of Twickenham wins over the past two years if the Springboks are victorious versus Argentina.
Meanwhile, the union appears, is quite pleased to host them - previous disputes such as the unpleasant aftermath following the tournament game and Rassie Erasmus’s social-media posts about officiating decisions apparently forgotten.
In fact, it seems more and more Twickenham is being positioned as the UK's top choice for international fixtures.
As Berrick points out, ‘in England and the UK we embrace global competitions. American football games are staged, top football nations compete, MLB games occur, the nation loves sport”.
It is no way to break into new territories – it wouldn't make sense to develop cricket fans by hosting a fixture at the historic ground – but occasional visits to Twickenham makes increasing sense.
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