Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus urges Ellis Park crowd to show Haka respect after 2024 disaster
Rassie Erasmus has appealed to the Ellis Park crowd to respect the Haka, hoping for a repeat of the silence that greeted the ritual in Cape Town.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has requested the Ellis Park audience to honor the Haka ritual performed by the All Blacks prior to Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry match. Erasmus highlighted the lack of attention given to the Haka during the team’s opening game in Cape Town against the Stormers and expressed hope for similar reverence in Johannesburg.
“It would be fantastic if the crowd at Ellis Park mirrored the silence in Cape Town, as the Haka is a truly unique experience,” Erasmus stated. “We recognize the importance and significance of this series.” The coach’s plea arrives in the wake of the tumultuous atmosphere before the 2024 Ellis Park encounter, which ended in a 31-27 victory for the Springboks.
During that game, the 62,000-strong crowd sang “Ole, Ole, Ole” while the Haka played, a DJ played music, an Emirates A380 flew low overhead, and pyrotechnics were deployed. All Blacks utility back Damian McKenzie, who also faced criticism for his kicking accuracy, shared his discontent with the crowd’s conduct in a post-match interview.
SA Rugby subsequently issued a formal apology to New Zealand Rugby for the Haka disruptions. A sound engineer mistakenly believed the cheering crowd indicated the Haka was complete, thereby restarting the music, according to Rian Oberholzer, SA Rugby’s CEO. Erasmus emphasized the need to avoid any repeat of such incidents, while acknowledging the intense rivalry and the formidable opponents they face.
“We know how exceptional the All Blacks are,” Erasmus noted. “Since 2018, they have proven themselves as the world’s leading team, but we hope not to suffer another defeat this weekend.” Erasmus, who grew up admiring the All Blacks and modeled his own playing style on New Zealand greats Zinzan Brooke and Murray Mexted, expressed deep respect for the team and its supporters.
“I have always held the All Blacks in the highest regard, and I have no issue with South Africans who cheer for them,” he concluded.
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