Rassie Erasmus Makes Unusual Haka Plea to Springboks Fans Before All Blacks Test
- The Springboks coach has made a request that could shape the atmosphere before Saturday’s blockbuster
- Erasmus has pointed to an earlier tour match as an example of how he wants the occasion handled
- The appeal comes with memories of what happened at Ellis Park during the teams’ last meeting
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Rassie Erasmus has asked Springboks supporters to take an unusual approach when the All Blacks perform the Haka at Ellis Park on Saturday, 22 August 2026. The Springboks coach wants the famous New Zealand ritual to unfold without competing noise from the stands.
Erasmus believes the response from supporters when the All Blacks played the Stormers in Cape Town earlier in the tour showed how to respect the moment.
“I would love it if the people at Ellis Park did the same as the guys in Cape Town, where it’s quiet, where we hear the Haka 100%,” Erasmus said according to RUCK.
“I think it’s something special.”
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2024 Haka controversy still remembered
The request carries added significance because the Haka became part of a chaotic pre-match scene when South Africa hosted New Zealand at Ellis Park in 2024. Music and crowd chanting overlapped with the ceremony, while pyrotechnics and an aircraft flyover also formed part of the surrounding spectacle.
SA Rugby later apologised to New Zealand Rugby. Its chief executive, Rian Oberholzer, attributed the incident to “timekeeping challenges and simple human error”.
Erasmus is now hoping Saturday’s occasion avoids a repeat.
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Springboks ready for All Blacks battle
The Ellis Park Test will open a four-match series between the Springboks and All Blacks.
Erasmus acknowledged the challenge posed by New Zealand while underlining the significance of the rivalry.
“We know how good the All Blacks are,” he said. “They will beat us again in the future, but hopefully not this weekend.”
He also said he has “always deeply respected the All Blacks”, adding that he had no issue with South Africans supporting New Zealand.
The Haka will therefore form part of the build-up to a Test carrying significance well beyond the opening whistle.
Erasmus’ appeal is aimed at ensuring the Haka receives its own moment before the latest chapter of the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry begins.
Steve Hansen warns Springboks could be vulnerable
Briefly News previously reported that World Cup-winning former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen had issued another warning ahead of the Springboks’ opening Test against New Zealand.
Hansen believes the Springboks could have vulnerabilities in their approach as the two rivals prepare to meet at Ellis Park on Saturday, 22 August.
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Source: Briefly News
