Rugby

Rassie Erasmus Reacts to South Africans Supporting the All Blacks Instead of Springboks

Published 18 Aug 2026 at 1:20 PM

by Raphael Abiola

3 min read

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus addressed the number of South Africans who continue to support the All Blacks ahead of Saturday's first Test
Erasmus acknowledged that political history and genuine admiration for New Zealand's style of play are among the reasons behind the divided support
The Springbok coach revealed that South Africa's supporter base has grown from around 5 to 6 million to 16 million avid fans in recent years

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Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has taken a measured stance on the ongoing divided loyalties among South African rugby supporters, saying he has no objection to fans who continue to back the All Blacks.

Erasmus addressed the topic at a media conference in Johannesburg on Monday, ahead of Saturday's opening Test of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour. His comments came after the All Blacks drew substantial local support during their tour opener against the Stormers in Cape Town on 7 August.

A legacy rooted in history

The coach acknowledged that his rugby development was influenced by several New Zealand stars. He revealed that All Blacks legends Murray Mexted and Zinzan Brooke were among his childhood heroes, while South African great Danie Gerber was also a major influence. He particularly admired Mexted and former Springbok Rob Louw and wanted to emulate their style of play.

Erasmus also highlighted the 1986 New Zealand Cavaliers tour and the controversial 1981 All Blacks tour of South Africa as important events that helped shape the intense rivalry between the two nations. During the 1981 tour, protesters disrupted matches, including an incident at Eden Park where players were targeted with flour bombs dropped from a plane.

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He added that having divided sporting loyalties is normal, even among his own coaching staff. Some members support Liverpool while others back Manchester United, and he believes such differences should be accepted as long as sporting rivalries remain respectful and do not become personal.

Springbok supporter base has grown

During the apartheid era, many disenfranchised South Africans supported the multi-racial All Blacks teams that toured the country, and some have continued to back New Zealand ever since. Rassie Erasmus acknowledged this longstanding loyalty without taking issue with it.

Erasmus described the divided support as something that adds excitement to the rivalry, pointing out that Cape Town crowds have been split between the two teams throughout his playing and coaching career.

He also highlighted the significant increase in domestic support for the Springboks, noting that their fan base has grown from around five or six million supporters to approximately 16 million passionate followers.

Erasmus suggested that some South African fans may simply admire the All Blacks' style of play, while others may have a historical connection to New Zealand because of what the country represented to them or their families during apartheid. He said there was no reason to dictate which team those supporters should back.