How South Africans can stay awake until 11 pm for the final Springboks test - IOL

You need a plan in place if you're going to stay awake for the All Blacks v Springboks match.

Tomorrow is the fourth and final test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, with the Springboks facing the All Blacks in Baltimore.

Which means the kick-off is a lot later than the 5 pm we have become used to.

For the younger ones, 11 pm might not sound particularly late. They are probably only getting ready to head out at that time.

But for those of us who are quite happy to be under the covers by 9 pm, it is going to take some planning.

Those who are heading out can find a bar or venue hosting a watch party, where the atmosphere should make staying awake a little easier.

For those of us watching at home, however, we need a strat plan.

Because making it to 11 pm is one thing. Staying awake for the full match, which could take us close to 1 am, is another.

If you don't think you're going to make it to 11 pm, then you need a plan for the day.

Braai and rugby go hand in hand, so if you are having people around, you have no choice but to stay up.

And this is probably the one night when starting the fire late will not be frowned upon.

Make a big fire, get everyone outside and linger around it before the match starts.

The socialising will help keep everyone awake and, before you know it, it will be time for kick-off.

Of course, if you are drinking, pace yourself.

The last thing you want is to make it through the build-up only to miss the second half because you had one too many and passed out.

Starting the braai a little late will be forgiven.

If your children are younger and are not staying up for the match, get bedtime out of the way before the build-up starts.

You don't want to be negotiating pyjamas and brushing teeth at 10.45 pm.

For older children who are staying up, make it a proper family rugby night.

Get the snacks ready, have drinks within reach and make sure everyone has settled in before the first whistle.

Half-time is also a good excuse to get off the couch for a few minutes. Stretch your legs, make a cup of tea or step outside for some fresh air.

There is no one around to keep you talking, laughing or arguing about the referee.

If you know you are someone who falls asleep in front of the television, don't make yourself too comfortable.

Keep the lights on, sit somewhere other than your usual sleeping spot and have something to look forward to during the game.

And don't wait until 11 pm to eat a huge dinner. Have your meal earlier and keep some snacks nearby for later.

Let's be honest. Some of us simply don't do 11 pm anymore.

If your normal bedtime is around 9 pm, take a short nap during the afternoon if you can.

You don't have to sleep for hours. Even some quiet downtime can help you get through the evening.

And don't spend the whole day sitting around waiting for the match. Get outside, keep busy and save the rugby excitement for later.

This is the part nobody wants to think about.

If you have children, work, church, sport or a long list of Sunday commitments, remember that the match could finish close to 1 am.

So perhaps don't make big plans for first thing Sunday morning.

The good news is that this is the final test of the series, so we only have to do this once.

Settle in, make your coffee, get the snacks ready and do whatever you need to do to make it to 11 pm.

Because when the Springboks are playing the All Blacks for the final time in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, missing the match because you fell asleep at 10.55 pm would be a very painful way to start Sunday.