The crowd’s passionate support for the touring side drew both high praise from players and sharp social media backlash from local Springboks fans.
When the All Blacks landed in South Africa for the first leg of their demanding seven-match tour, they walked into a reception that caught even the squad off guard. Up to 5,000 mostly local supporters turned out at DHL Stadium in Cape Town for a free public welcome organized by South Africa Rugby. For a touring side facing three Tests against the world champions plus four provincial fixtures, the sheer scale of the turnout provided an unexpected morale boost.
DHL Stadium Welcome Sparks Division Among South African Fans
While thousands cheered for the visitors ahead of their opening fixture against the Stormers, the scenes at DHL Stadium, the venue of the All Blacks’ first match of the tour against the Stormers, ignited an immediate online backlash from Springboks supporters. The warmth in Cape Town reflects deep historical ties rooted in South Africa’s divided past, during which coloured communities frequently backed the touring New Zealand side while the Springboks remained a symbol of apartheid-era discrimination. That tradition of support survived through the decades, creating a dedicated pocket of local followers known as the Cape Crusaders
.
Today’s local fans who wear black jerseys find themselves at odds with supporters who view the modern Springboks under Siya Kolisi as a powerful emblem of national unity. That tension spilled onto social media platforms following the stadium event.
“I know people have the right to support whoever they want, but given everything [coach] Rassie [Erasmus] and Siya’s Boks have achieved, what they mean for the majority of this country, it still astounds me to see Saffas support another country against their own.”
Brenden Nel, South African rugby writer
Nel wrote on X that while critics directed vitriol his way, the core issue remained baffling to those who see the current national squad as a unifying force built on mutual respect and diverse talent.
Inside the All Blacks Camp as Tour Captain Codie Taylor Praises Supporters
Inside the touring squad, the reception was treated as a welcome injection of energy rather than a political lightning rod. Hooker Codie Taylor, serving as tour captain while Ardie Savea sits out, acknowledged the unusual atmosphere.
Taylor later spoke with New Zealand reporters about the intense environment waiting for them on the ground, noting that Man, the fans over here are a whole other level. It’s impressive to see and we know we have a lot of support here.
Former All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen offered a tactical perspective on the welcome during an appearance on the Rugby Unity podcast, suggesting that the team’s friendly approach in Cape Town was part of a conscious effort. Hansen noted a deliberate ploy by the All Blacks to make sure that they behave in a manner that’s respectful and encourage fans to actually get in behind them.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Faces Gruelling Test Across South Africa
Beyond the fanfare in Cape Town, the touring party faces a brutal physical challenge over the coming weeks. Assistant coach Jason Ryan pointed to the immense task of breaking down the world champions’ forward pack ahead of their fixtures against provincial franchises and the Springboks.
Ryan added that They’re a big pack, they know clearly what their identity is around their scrum and maul.
With subsequent stops in Durban, Pretoria, and Johannesburg before a final Test in Baltimore, USA, on September 6, the team knows public receptions will inevitably grow frostier.
There’s a lot of excitement in the group,
Taylor said. We’re not fooling ourselves and thinking it’s going to be easy.
It’s not – South Africa at home is probably the biggest challenge we’ll face in our rugby careers.
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