The Springboks’ fierce face-off against the All Blacks in Eden Park is almost here. But not every South African rugby fan will be backing the boys in green and gold.
For various reasons, New Zealand has gained a legion of supporters who hail from Mzansi.
South Africa has four Rugby World Cup titles, while their rivals follow closely with three.
SOUTH AFRICANS WHO BACK THE ALL BLACKS
Last month, Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie’s old tweets calling for the Springboks to be “beaten” went viral.
Like many members of the coloured community, the Patriotic Alliance leader stood by the All Blacks who supported South Africans during Apartheid’s racial discrimination.
A since-deleted tweet from his account in 2015 read: “I love rugby, I however love my people more. I cannot support the Springboks at RWC 2015. I will be supporting the All Blacks”.
Fast forward to 2024, and being sworn in as minister, Gayton claimed that he was “happy and proud” to see the tides turn after many of his pals swapped black and white for green and gold.
Another outspoken South African All Blacks fan is music producer Prince Kaybee.
On his X platform, the artist revealed why he backed the New Zealand national team over his own.
He tweeted, “I support the All Blacks because of their style of play, adaptive planning, sheer brilliance of ‘ball in hand’, and exceptional support for the ball carrier.”
He added, “I’m just not into kick rugby. Sorry if my preference offends you.”
Podcaster Penuel Mlotshwa – who has questioned the transformation within the Springboks – also had a deep connection with the Kiwis.
He tweeted during the 2023 Rugby World Cup: “The Springboks were seen as a white Afrikaner team and one of the last powerful symbols of Apartheid.
As much as all of us black and coloured players wanted to don the green and gold because it was the highest honour within SA… we knew we weren’t really wanted within that institution.
“Almost all black and coloured players looked up to the New Zealand All Blacks. We all identified with them. They represented us”.
‘THE PAST CAN’T BE ERASED’
Meanwhile, a group of South African expats living in New Zealand will also be cheering on the All Blacks on Saturday.
Jozaine Josephs told 1News: “People say Apartheid is over and the team is now more representative. But the past cannot be so easily erased.
He added: “Even today, players of colour experience more scrutiny than their white counterparts. They always have to play to a different bar.
Leoni Winter said of her adoptive country and team: “The All Blacks’ consistent performance and style of play drew me in. Their emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and innovation resonated with me.
“As I followed their journey, I found myself naturally gravitating towards them and knew New Zealand would be my home”.
National identity isn’t the only reason to back a team – and these three proud All Black supporters from South Africa prove it.
Posted by 1News on Friday 5 September 2025
RASSIE: ‘LET THEM SUPPORT WHO THEY WANT’
Last year, coach Rassie Erasmus defended South Africans who chose to support the All Blacks over the Springboks.
Speaking in a video clip, he said: “Obviously, there are historical reasons, bitterness, and heartache that’s contributed [to it]. That we must take, understand, and mind”.
He added, “Don’t be upset with those people if that’s what they feel they want to give back. Because there were times when they got support [from New Zealand].
“Why would you get upset with someone if you haven’t won them over yet? If there is something you can do to win them over, fantastic. If there isn’t, respect their view.
“They can support who they want to let them be happy, just like our guys. That’s their choice. They know what would make them support South Africa. And if that hasn’t happened or cannot happen, then let’s make peace with it.”.
ALL BLACKS OR SPRINGBOKS – WHO DO YOU SUPPORT?
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