Rugby’s greatest rivalry took centre stage again as the Springboks hosted the All Blacks at Ellis Park this past Saturday, with the Bokke securing a hard-fought 31-27 victory. Whenever these two giants clash, it's more than just a game, it's an exhibition of rugby at its finest, steeped in history, rivalry, and mutual respect. Yet, this weekend, the event organizers overshadowed what should have been a moment of reverence for fans and players alike.
The haka, and particularly Kapa o Pango performed by the All Blacks, is one of the most iconic traditions in rugby. It is not just a pre-game ritual, it’s a powerful expression of Maori culture, identity, and spirit. The haka represents a deep-rooted connection to New Zealand's heritage on the one hand and has become a symbolic part of the global rugby narrative on the other. It is a moment that demands respect, a moment that should allow both teams and fans to pause, reflect, and appreciate the significance of what is about to unfold on the field.
In South Africa, there is immense respect for the All Blacks and their traditions. When the haka is performed on South African soil, it is common for the crowd to respond with loud chants of "Ole... Ole..." as a way of rising to the challenge of our greatest foes being in our country. However, at Ellis Park this past Saturday, this atmosphere of respect was shattered. The decision by stadium management to blast music, set off fireworks, and orchestrate flyovers during the haka was not only ill-advised but also deeply disrespectful.
The noise and spectacle undermined the haka's gravitas, robbing players and fans of a moment that many would have been looking forward to. Instead of allowing the thousands in attendance and the millions watching at home to absorb the energy and emotion of the haka, the chaos of blaring speakers and fireworks drowned out the powerful chants of the All Blacks. This is a moment fans cherish and one that I have always looked forward to. A time to take in the intensity of the game that is about to unfold. The stadium's decision to turn this moment into a sideshow not only disrespected the All Blacks but also cheated the fans out of an experience they had eagerly awaited and paid huge amounts of money for.
This wasn't just a failure to respect a tradition; it was a failure to understand what rugby means to its supporters. The chance to witness the haka live is a bucket-list experience for any rugby fan. The Ellis Park management's blunder meant that thousands of South Africans, as well as traveling fans from New Zealand, were denied this unique experience, having instead to contend with a spectacle that was more akin to a circus than a rugby game. The crowd wanted to feel the raw emotion of the haka, to join in the respectful exchange that usually defines this rivalry. But instead, they were left feeling disappointed by the unnecessary and inappropriate noise. There are plenty of other opportunities in the game for music.
South Africans are passionate about rugby, and part of that passion includes respecting the game’s traditions. While the fans in the stands and the Springboks on the field displayed the utmost respect for their opponents, Ellis Park's event management team missed a crucial opportunity to honour one of the sport's most revered customs.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that the traditions of rugby must be cherished and preserved, not drowned out by the excesses of modern entertainment. Moving forward, it is crucial for organizers to remember that rugby is more than just a game. It's a celebration of culture, history, and mutual respect. Saturday's mistake is one that Ellis Park—and any venue that hosts a test match going forward, should learn from, ensuring that the spirit of the sport and the traditions that define it are protected, or else before we know it, we may as well be watching soccer.
For the South African's that will disagree with me on this one, just cast your mind back to how you felt when France allowed Ras Dumisani to butcher our anthem and the look on Schalk's face that day. Imagine launching into Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika and having event organisers cutting us short mid-song.
check out my predicted side for the return game in Cape Town here.
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