“It’s just stupid” – Rassie Erasmus makes request to Springbok fans ahead of second All Blacks Test
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Respect.
Rassie Erasmus has called on Springbok supporters to once again respect the All Blacks Haka when the two sides meet in Cape Town on Saturday.
Ahead of the opening Test at Ellis Park, Erasmus made a public request for South African supporters to remain quiet during the Haka rather than attempting to drown it out.
The request was largely observed in Johannesburg, with the Ellis Park crowd creating an unusually quiet atmosphere as the All Blacks performed their traditional pre-match challenge.
Despite New Zealand going on to claim an impressive 33-16 victory, Erasmus has dismissed any suggestion that the respectful reception gave the visitors an advantage and wants Springbok supporters to do the same again at DHL Stadium.
Speaking ahead of the second Test, the Springbok coach made his feelings clear.
“If you’re going to make a noise while they do it, it’s just stupid.”
Erasmus explained that he personally enjoys watching the Haka and views facing it as one of the special aspects of playing against New Zealand.
He also rejected the idea that the atmosphere surrounding the Haka has any bearing on what subsequently happens on the field.
“It’s got nothing to do with how the game gets played. It doesn’t influence it.”
The Springbok coach’s stance comes after plenty of discussion surrounding the Ellis Park crowd, where supporters remained largely silent throughout the haka before making their voices heard once it had finished.
Erasmus had made his initial appeal before the opening Test after the Haka had been drowned out during previous meetings between the sides in South Africa.
His request was centred on respecting the tradition before allowing supporters to make their presence felt once the Haka had concluded.
The rivalry now moves to Cape Town with significantly more at stake for South Africa following their opening defeat.
New Zealand hold a 1-0 advantage in the four-Test series after scoring five tries to one at Ellis Park, meaning the Springboks need victory on Saturday to level matters before the final two Tests.
South Africa will be boosted by the return of captain Siya Kolisi, who has been declared fully fit by Erasmus after coming through training without discomfort.
Kolisi’s return also means the Springboks are set to field the most experienced starting XV in their history, while Pieter-Steph du Toit will become the 11th South African player to reach 100 Test caps.
