Former All Black Star Receives Death Threats From Springboks Fans Ahead of Greatest Rivalry Series

• Former All Blacks star Lima Sopoaga revealed he received death threats from Springbok supporters during the Greatest Rivalry series
• The New Zealand rugby legend is currently in South Africa to watch the All Blacks face the Springboks at Ellis Park on 22 August
• The retired fly-half made his international debut at the same stadium in 2015 and described a hostile reception from local fans

Former All Blacks fly-half Lima Sopoaga has gone public with a series of threats and abusive messages he received from South African rugby supporters during the current Greatest Rivalry tour.

Sopoaga, who represented New Zealand between 2015 and 2017 before later qualifying for Samoa through ancestry in 2023, is in South Africa to witness the test match between the All Blacks and the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday, 22 August.

**Sopoaga Speaks Out on Social Media Abuse**

Throughout the tour, Sopoaga has been sharing his commentary and observations on the All Blacks' matches against South African provincial sides including the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls. His outspoken support for New Zealand appears to have provoked an extreme response from some Springbok supporters, with threatening messages landing in his inbox.

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He addressed the situation directly on his social media account, writing: "Hey guys, just remember it's just a game. Some of you in my DMs, sending death threats and abusing the hell out of me because I said I want my team to win 2-1 in SA. I love a bit of banter and back-and-forth. But come on now, it's not that deep."

**Ellis Park Has Personal Significance for Sopoaga**

The forthcoming test at Ellis Park carries particular meaning for the 33-year-old. It was at that same Johannesburg venue on 25 July 2015 that he made his international debut for New Zealand at the age of 24, wearing the No. 10 jersey ahead of Beauden Barrett.

That debut experience was far from welcoming. Sopoaga recalled being confronted with hostility from Springbok supporters well before kick-off, saying: "The whole day was surreal to be honest, it went by in a flash and felt like I'd played the game before it happened. On the way to the stadium, there were little kids throwing stuff at the bus and doing throat-cutting gestures. Old people were giving us the finger and yelling swear words, but playing in black was my dream come true."

Despite the atmosphere, New Zealand won the match 27-20.

Sopoaga went on to play his final test for New Zealand in 2017 after moving to club rugby in England. Under New Zealand Rugby's selection policy, overseas-based players are generally not eligible for national selection, effectively ending his All Blacks career. He later switched international allegiance to Samoa, with ancestral eligibility making the move possible.

Source: Briefly News