The Springboks and All Blacks renew rugby’s greatest rivalry at Ellis Park today – two years after South African Rugby was forced to apologise over a controversial incident involving the haka at the same stadium.
The two giants meet in Johannesburg in the opening Test of their blockbuster four-match series, with the fixture returning to a ground steeped in history between the nations.
But their 2024 meeting at Ellis Park also produced controversy before a ball had even been kicked.
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Haka controversy
Ahead of the Rugby Championship clash, the closing stages of the All Blacks’ haka were drowned out by music and fireworks, while a planned A380 flyover also coincided with the famous pre-match challenge.
The sequence prompted criticism and ultimately resulted in SA Rugby formally apologising to New Zealand Rugby.
SA Rugby chief executive Rian Oberholzer insisted there had been no intention to disrespect the All Blacks.
“I apologised in person and have written to the NZRFU to formally express our regret and apologies for what occurred.”
He explained that the incident was caused by scheduling and timekeeping problems, with an unsighted sound engineer believing the haka had finished after hearing the crowd cheering.
Oberholzer described what happened as “highly regrettable” but stressed it was “in no way deliberate.”
He added:
“We hold dear the values and traditions of the game.”
SA Rugby subsequently promised to ensure a similar mistake would not happen again.
Rassie makes haka request
The incident provides added context to Rassie Erasmus’ message ahead of today’s return to Ellis Park.
The Springboks boss has specifically asked South African supporters to remain quiet during the haka, allowing the All Blacks’ traditional challenge to be properly heard before the stadium erupts afterwards.
Erasmus said:
“After the All Blacks have finished, South Africa can erupt. We can go crazy.”
He also revealed that assistant coach and former All Black Tony Brown has helped change the Springboks’ perspective on the haka.
Rather than trying to neutralise the psychological impact of the challenge, Erasmus says his players now embrace it.
“It is pointless trying to take away what the All Blacks just got out of the Haka – you can’t.”
With the All Blacks back at Ellis Park and the two nations beginning their first full-scale tour series in South Africa for 30 years, all eyes will once again be on the haka before kick-off.
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All Blacks Handed NIGHTMARE Route to 2027 Rugby World Cup Final
With the competition expanding to 24 teams and introducing a Round of 16 for the first time, New Zealand can already map out their possible path to the Webb Ellis Cup — and it is packed with danger.
Pool A: A Trans-Tasman Showdown
New Zealand have been drawn in Pool A with Australia, creating one of the marquee clashes of the group stage. The All Blacks and Wallabies are expected to battle for top spot, with the pool winner earning a potentially more favourable route through the knockout stages.
Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each pool automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while the four best third-placed teams across all pools also advance.
For New Zealand, the objective will be simple: finish first in Pool A.
Round of 16: A Third-Placed Opponent Awaits
If the All Blacks top Pool A, they will face one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams in the Round of 16.
Based on the draw, that opponent would come from Pools C, E or F. Possible challengers could include:
- Samoa, USA or Japan (Pool E)
- Wales or Tonga (Pool F)
- One of the emerging contenders from Pool C
On paper, this should represent a manageable first knockout assignment for New Zealand.
