Springboks Fans Slam Gym Video Posted Ahead of Second All Blacks Test in Cape Town

• The Springboks posted a gym video days after suffering a heavy defeat to the All Blacks at Ellis Park
• Springboks legends Kobus Wiese and Schalk Burger both weighed in on the loss, with Burger blaming player arrogance
• The gym clip drew mixed reactions from fans, with some questioning whether the squad's priorities were right

The Springboks found themselves at the centre of online controversy on Wednesday 26 August 2026 after posting a gym video ahead of their second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town. The clip came just days after a bruising 33-16 defeat to New Zealand at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Rather than settling the mood of frustrated supporters, the footage of players training in the gym did the opposite. Many fans questioned why the squad appeared to be lifting weights so close to a must-win Test match, with some insisting the time would be better spent sharpening their rugby skills.

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Legends turn up the heat on the Boks

The backlash was not limited to social media users. Springboks legend Schalk Burger was direct in his assessment of the Johannesburg loss, saying it was player arrogance that cost the team the match. Fellow legend Kobus Wiese took a different tone, urging the players to rise to the occasion and use the Cape Town Test as a chance to respond.

The pressure is now squarely on the Springboks, who face the All Blacks for the second time in the Greatest Rivalry series with their backs firmly against the wall.

Fans react to gym clip

South African rugby fans were quick to share their thoughts in the comments section of the Springboks post:

@Singwa Hercules Silinga said:

"Backs against the wall, there's no way out for us but THROUGH THEM 🤩🔥😎🇿🇦💣🤝💪"

@Arnau Broodryk wrote:

"Ox doing pull ups looking so natural that real power. Be lucky if u dont need to scrum this man he will snap ur back in half this is no joke"

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@Haydn Ellwood reacted:

"No ways Ox is chinning that easily....."

@Jakobus Meintjes had a pointed message for the coaching staff:

"NO, NO, NO. Don't gym. You're playing rugby. Practice those skills, time is short."

Watch the clip below.

The second Test in Cape Town will be the Springboks' chance to silence their critics and level the series against the All Blacks.

Erasmus breaks silence on Springboks loss

Briefly News previously reported that Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus spoke candidly after his side suffered a heavy defeat to the All Blacks in the first Test of the Greatest Rivalry series

South Africa led 13-12 at half-time but were outscored five tries to one in the second half as New Zealand dominated the Ellis Park clash.

Source: Briefly News