Erasmus accepts divided loyalties before Springboks-All Blacks Test

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has accepted that some South African rugby supporters will back New Zealand when the Springboks meet the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday. The match will open a four-Test series between the world champions and their biggest rivals.

Erasmus said support for New Zealand among South Africans has historical roots. During the apartheid era, some people viewed New Zealand teams as a stronger representation of a multiracial society and adopted the All Blacks as their preferred side.

South African rugby’s transformation has changed the sporting landscape, but that connection with New Zealand has remained for some supporters. Erasmus said he had seen strong All Blacks backing in South Africa since his youth and did not regard it as a problem.

He also pointed to the growth of committed Springbok support. He said the number had risen from about six million to 16 million, while stressing that the team should win people over through its performances, conduct and commitment to South Africa rather than expect universal loyalty.

For Erasmus, the rivalry’s value goes beyond the result in Johannesburg. The uncertainty around the outcome can attract more people to rugby, with neither side able to claim a guaranteed victory before the opening Test.

New Zealand will arrive with Dave Rennie unbeaten since taking over as head coach from Scott Robertson earlier this year. Rennie’s team won all three of its Nations Championship matches against France, Italy and Ireland, then defeated the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls during its South African tour.

That run gives the All Blacks strong form before the series, but Erasmus expects the meeting with the Springboks to present a different test. Saturday’s match will renew a rivalry whose appeal includes both the contest on the field and the divided loyalties surrounding it.