‘Voetsek!’: All Blacks supporters at Loftus put on blast
South African All Blacks supporters at Loftus Versfeld – where the New Zealand national team played the Bulls – were met with scathing remarks on social media.
The Kiwis won their third consecutive match in the Greatest Rivalry series, beating the Bulls 50-19.
The ABs have a large supporter base in South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape.
ALL BLACKS SUPPORTERS AT LOFTUS PUT ON BLAST
On social media, images and video clips of crowds of rugby fans at Loftus Stadium – some of whom were All Blacks supporters – had South African social media users riled up.
On the official Instagram account for the Greatest Rivalry Series, a group of locals held up a sign that read: “Adopt us. We’re South African, but our hearts are Kiwi”.
The post was captioned: “All Blacks fans are out in full force in Pretoria”
Outside New Zealand, the All Blacks have the strongest support in South Africa, particularly among the coloured community in the Western Cape. For many, the support is deep-rooted in Apartheid, when New Zealand stood with non-white players who were sidelined from joining the Springboks.
Under the post, the supporters were met with comments like…
“If you don’t support the country you live in, then go and live in the country you support”
“Voetsek, kindly then. Go well”
“Seriously? Go live in New Zealand”
“I’ve never seen white South Africans support All Blacks”
“Supporting the All Blacks is one thing. Holding up a sign saying your “heart isn’t South African” while living in South Africa is just embarrassing. Rivalry is fun. This is cringe”.
WHAT’S NEXT IN THE GREATEST RIVALRY SERIES?
The All Blacks have wrapped up three victories against the Stormers, Sharks and the Bulls.
They will take on the Lions next on 26 August at Ellis Park, Johannesburg.
New Zealand will also take on the Springboks in four test matches in the coming weeks.
- 22 August – Springboks vs All Blacks – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
- 29 August – Springboks vs ABs – DHL Stadium, Cape Town
- 5 September – Springboks vs ABs – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
- 12 September – Springboks vs ABs -M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA
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