Gayton McKenzie Urges SA All Blacks Fans to Back Springboks Ahead of Third Test
- Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie made a public appeal to South Africans still supporting the All Blacks at the 19th annual SA Sports Awards
- McKenzie pointed to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi as proof that the national team now represents a united South Africa
- The appeal comes as the Springboks and All Blacks are locked at 1-1 in their first dedicated four-Test series in 30 years
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Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has called on South Africans who continue to support the All Blacks to switch allegiances and get behind the Springboks, saying the time for old grievances has passed.
McKenzie appealed at the 19th annual SA Sports Awards at Sun City in the North West, with video of his remarks subsequently circulating on TikTok.
The minister did not shy away from the roots of the All Blacks' support base in South Africa. During apartheid, many Black and coloured rugby fans rejected the Springbok emblem because of its association with racially segregated sport, turning instead to New Zealand as their team of choice.
McKenzie acknowledged that pain directly.
"I understand that you are hurt. That's why you're supporting the All Blacks. I used to support the All Blacks myself," he said.
He then made his case for change.
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"But there comes a time and a place in everybody's life where patriotism must come first."
"I'm asking you: can you get rid of your All Black T-shirts and put on your green T-shirt? This is your country. This is our country," he added.
McKenzie highlighted Springbok captain Siya Kolisi as embodying that transformation, describing him as a symbol of what the national team now stands for.
"The captain of the Springboks is a Black from the Eastern Cape, Siya Kolisi. He's your child. He's my child," he said.
Kolisi, who grew up in Zwide in the Eastern Cape, became the first Black player to captain the Springboks in a Test match in 2018. He has since led South Africa to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023.
McKenzie's Own Change of Heart
The minister's remarks carry personal weight. During the 2015 Rugby World Cup, McKenzie publicly declared his support for New Zealand, writing at the time:
"I love rugby, I however love my people more. I cannot support the Springboks at RWC 2015. I will be supporting the All Blacks."
His position shifted in the years that followed. After South Africa defeated New Zealand 18-12 at DHL Stadium in Cape Town in September 2024, McKenzie noted that "times have really changed under Rassie", referring to head coach Rassie Erasmus.
At the SA Sports Awards, he framed the Springboks' evolution as a broader lesson for the country.
"The journey of the Springboks tells us something important. South Africa can change, unite and win because of that unity, not despite that," he said.
Series Locked at 1-1 Ahead of Johannesburg Decider
The appeal lands at a critical moment in what World Rugby is billing as Rugby's Greatest Rivalry, a first dedicated four-Test series between the two nations in 30 years.
New Zealand won the opening Test 33-16 at Ellis Park on 22 August, ending South Africa's 12-match winning streak. The Springboks levelled matters with a 33-26 victory at DHL Stadium in Cape Town a week later, setting up a pivotal third Test at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on 5 September.
Across 112 Tests between the two sides, New Zealand lead the overall record with 64 wins to South Africa's 44, with four matches drawn.
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Source: Briefly News
