- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
The New Zealand Rugby Union are pressing ahead with plans to send a Maori side to South Africa to play the Springboks in Soweto, despite the racial composition of the side posing a potential stumbling block.
The South African Rugby Union (SARU) and their New Zealand counterparts have been planning the game in the township on the outskirts of Johannesburg since December.
But reports out of the Republic suggested it could be scuttled because SARU’S president’s council forbids South African rugby sides from playing opponents selected on racial grounds – a decree that would include the Maori.
SARU strategic communications manager Andy Colquhoun said the council’s resolution was a “fundamental stumbling block” to the match taking place.
The NZRU’s general manager professional rugby Neil Sorenson said the possible impasse came as “a bolt out of the blue”.
He was seeking clarification from Saru acting general manager Andy Marinos.
Both organisations hoped to have the match confirmed before the end of the month, though a final decision may be delayed until late March.
The match, proposed as a warm-up for the Springboks before they take on the British and Irish Lions in June, has been welcomed by South African coach Peter de Villiers, who described it as imperative in terms of preparing his side for the three-test series.
The NZRU were also keen for the match to proceed, as it provided the Maori with a playing opportunity after the organisation chose to enter the Junior All Blacks in the 2009 International Rugby Board Pacific Nations Cup.
That demotion left the Maori without any matches.
The game also has appeal for the NZRU, given the South Africans are expected to pick up the tab for the exercise.
In a significant irony Maori players, banned from touring the Republic with the All Blacks during the apartheid regime, now appear to find themselves at odds with South Africa’s inclusive political system.
There is also what appears a contradictory situation given South African sides – including the Springboks – must include a quota of non-white players.
Sorenson would not comment on the potential double standard.
“We’ve got enough issues to sort through without having a crack at the South Africans,” he said. “It’s a pretty complex issue.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.