Rassie Erasmus expects very different haka response ahead of third All Blacks Test

Ahead of the opening two Tests of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, Erasmus urged South African supporters to remain silent while New Zealand performed their traditional challenge.

The Springboks boss explained that his perspective on the haka had changed significantly since Tony Brown joined his coaching staff, encouraging supporters to embrace the tradition before making their voices heard once it was finished.

Erasmus subsequently praised the Ellis Park crowd for respecting his request and hoped supporters in Cape Town would follow suit.

However, Test Three brings a very different challenge.

The rivalry now moves to FNB Stadium, where Erasmus has already spoken about the incredible noise generated by supporters – particularly the famous vuvuzelas.

“With the vuvuzelas and passionate crowd there, we can hardly hear one another on the field,” Erasmus said ahead of the Test.

That could make maintaining complete silence during the haka considerably more difficult.

Erasmus has not issued a fresh instruction regarding the haka ahead of the third Test, but his previous request leaves an intriguing question heading into Saturday’s showdown.

Will more than 80,000 Springboks supporters in Soweto follow the example set during the opening Tests and remain silent?

Or will the vuvuzelas provide the All Blacks with a very different reception this time around?

HAVE YOUR SAY: Should Springboks supporters remain completely silent during the All Blacks haka?

Here's your complete round-by-round guide to the 2027 Six Nations.

☘️ Ireland v ? England
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

? Scotland v ?? Italy
? Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

?? France v ? Wales
? Stade de France, Paris
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

?? Italy v ☘️ Ireland
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Scotland v ? Wales
? Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

? England v ?? France
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 3:10pm

? Wales v ☘️ Ireland
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? England v ?? Italy
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

?? France v ? Scotland
? Stade de France, Paris
? Kick-off: 3:10pm

? Scotland v ☘️ Ireland
? Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

?? Italy v ?? France
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Wales v ? England
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

?? Italy v ? Wales
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? England v ? Scotland
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

☘️ Ireland v ?? France
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

There's no easing into the championship for Steve Borthwick's side. A trip to Dublin followed by a home clash with France means England face arguably the two biggest title contenders in their opening two matches before attention turns to the Rugby World Cup later in the year.