You are comparing the only global sport with another popular sport that makes the front page of the major news websites.
Rugby Union doesn't have the draw of football and football trumps cricket as well, but I'm failing to see why.
Two teams alien to the country. They are making an effort to fill the ground. How many England football internationals do not fill the ground? Plenty, certainly friendlies.
Kudos to the authorities for doing this.
Amazing, thank you!