About 2000 local supporters pitched up at Port Elizabeth airport in South Africa on Sunday to “welcome” the All Blacks squad for this week’s Tri-Nations match in the city.
In typical New Zealand-type weather at this time of the year, 14 degrees and a frosty chill, with no hint of a breeze, the All Blacks made their entrance just after 12 noon.
A friend of mine, a reporter for a local newspaper, described the scenes as near-mayhem as everyone stretched to catch a glimpse of their favourite All Black. He’s now describing it as a “home fixture” for the Blacks, as a result.
It’s 41 years on since the Springboks beat the All Blacks 14-3 at the-then Boet Erasmus Stadium; the last time a Test between the rugby rivals was played in Port Elizabeth.
Much mention was made in the local press of No. 15 Freddie McCormick’s elbowing of Syd Nomis who had some teeth knocked out as a result, in that 1970 encounter, as many of the newspapers looked back at the Test in anticipation of this week’s Tri-Nations encounter.
Apparently Nomis, who had a leg amputated a few years ago, had his teeth shoved back in by the referee, a Mr Piet Robbertse, who was coincidentally a dentist. It seems the Boks were targeting McCormick in the Test, the report goes, as a result of previous incidents on tour.
The Kiwi management at the time was perceived as “arrogant” as they had reckoned in the build-up that they would cream the Boks.
As history tells us, the All Blacks ran rampant against all the country teams in the build-up to the Tests, which was perceived as a bad omen for the Springboks.
But unfortunately for the All Blacks it wasn’t to be, as they came up against an inspired Bok side with players like Dawie de Villiers, Nomis, pivot Ian McCallum and of course, Frik Du Preez, in their midst.
The newspapers were agog at the time with news that 19-year-old icon of the SA fan club of the All Blacks, Bryan Williams, was set to play. He had been a revelation on the wing on tour.
The Springboks class of 70 are having a re-union in PE’s Feather Market Centre on Friday as everyone catches up and relives some nostalgia. Apparently, there was talk that some of the All Blackss of that era would be in attendance – Bryan Williams in particular.
Mils Muliaina apparently was scheduled to present a talk at the St George’s Park Cricket Ground – but he has unfortunately stayed behind in New Zealand.
The All Blacks were due to practice at the Nelson Mandela Bay University Stadium, but though many of their local fans would like to rub shoulders with their heroes, coach Henry wouldn’t allow much adulation to distract his players. King Henry has a job on his hands.
Tickets for the match that will be played at the 50,000-seater soccer World Cup venue, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, are virtual sold-out already. Test fever, to coin a cliche, is running high.
In the meantime, the two biggest Sunday papers in South Africa ran with the headlines, “Much better Bokke” and “It hurts: But not too bad” (the latter from an Afrikaans newspaper) after the Wallabies defeat.
The Boks, have in their (media’s) opinion obviously shown an improvement, but has to be seen in context: in relation to how pathetic they were a fortnight ago in their first two matches.
Obviously, many Bok pundits, including the newspapers, (hence the softly-softly approach to the three losses) have an eye on the World Cup and defending it successfully, but it’s clear to see that the Boks have some issues.
Bismarck (Du Plessis) showed much more impetus than Smit when he came on and the world record lock pairing Bakkie Botha and Victor Matfield look like shadows of their former selves.
Habana isn’t firing and De Villiers at centre did little else, but tackle. When he did get his hands to the ball, he coughed it up.
Frans Steyn did his World Cup chances further harm, by pulling up and it really seemed a case of one step forward and three steps back for the Boks.
But take care, All Blacks. The Boks have been wounded seriously and pride may just inspire them to greater heights come Saturday at a packed out stadium. Kamate! Kamate!
mactheblack
Guest
IVAN ... Ok but like I said if you look in the Eastern Cape been during apartheid, there were many African-based clubs playing rugby, but of course not as many players compared to other groups, as you rightly pointed out. But they were just as astute about the finer points of the game. The access to better schools of course in a new dispensation, gives them a new purpose and an opportunity to turn things around. The amazing thing was that though blacks and whites were not allowed to play together on the field of play under apartheid, the disenfranchised sporting communities did not allow the divide and rule policies to deter them from playing and organising sport in these communities, that despite the abhorrent policies, managed to develop outstanding sportsmen and women. The only drawback being that they could not showcase their skill on the highest stage in national colours at the time. Of course things are different now - and we can only hope that the youngsters seize the opportunities, generations before them did not have. You say: "I expect a Bok performance not seen in years" But that's the problem isn't it? Boks always have to depend on a Herculean effort to pull themselves up - due to inconsistencies in play and selection. They won 17 in a row under Mallet of course - but more like a one-off, hence the inconsistency problem. If they win, and yes that is a probability I concede, then they will claim to be the best, as well as the fans, without looking at what has gone before. Despite what happens tomorrow, the All Blacks are far better in every respect to the Springboks, handling support play, even based on strength and technique. I think the Boks should actually start adopting the Kiwi way of play, and they'll be a better, consistent, winning team as it concerns All Black match-ups. Too predictable, for my liking. Can coaches not see they have the backs, the wings, and allround ability but just won't use them as a weapon with their style of play? Yeah I guess, the Boks have won two World Cups and the ABs only one - something we've got to set right. I believe that time has come.l
Ivan
Guest
You have misunderstood, or i have explained poorly. I have not said that ethnic africans do or cannot play Rugby. What i mean is that in a country of 50 million african ethnics, a small percentage have any interest in rugby, as opposed to soccer which is the majority. Colored for lack of a better term people are more interested in rugby, and for also being opressed by the previous regime - have tended to support the All Blacks. Many have stayed with their love for the kiwis even after the end of Apartheid, probably because of the attractive style, and winning culture of the ABs. There are many good africans playing the game, and i wish there were more. The reality is that only now that afican kids are getting opportunities to attend good schools, are they being exposed to Rugby in larger numbers. Its definitely a growing trend amongst african people in south africa, but nowhere near a majority. many colored folk do regard themselves as black, and its probably amongst this group that the larger support for the All blacks lies.
mactheblack
Guest
IVAN ... "Blacks don't have that much interest in rugby." No offence .. but what planet are you from mate? I suggest when you say "blacks" you're referring then to ethnic African. For your info many coloureds regard themselves as black too, as opposed to "white" and refused to take on the classification "coloured" as foisted on them by the former apartheid regime. You need to check up with the rugby historians, and promise you they will discount your embarrassing theory. That's a hurtful statement my man, only because it just ain't true - they have played the game as long as anyone in this country - and have developed some great players. Check out the school rugby set-up these days and you will see for yourself. Yeah, it's just that not many are coming through into the Bok side for whatever reason - something we can debate for hours on end, as to the reasons why. Owen Nkumane, ChiliBoy Ralepelle, Beast Mtwarira, Lwazi Mvovo (watch this guy), Owen Ndugane, Akona Ndugane, Mametsa, Mzwandile Stick, Cecil Afrika, Hyani Shimange, etc. etc. - enough evidence that blacks do and CAN play rugby!
kaha
Guest
what you say might be true but what I've seen from some test matches in south africa the majority of people wearing all black kit have been blacks.
kaha
Guest
I don't blame the white man for the situation. I think the white man is the saving grace for south africa. I put the blame on the government. I also disagree that politics dosen't belong in sport. I protested against the 1991 springbok tour of New zealand. It tore new zealand apart. But it was the only way I could denounce what was going on in south africa.
Ivan
Guest
You will find that its the 'colored' folk in SA that support the Kiwis. Blacks dont have that big an interest in Rugby - as Soccer is their national sport. Colored however (which is a term used for a mix of black and white people) are the major AB fans. I would like to believe its largely for their style of Rugby - it is afterall entertaining, but most importantly - its because the Kiwis win so often. They wont be winning in PE this weekend though - Boks will come out firing - im expecting to see a Bok performance that hasnt been seen for many years
C.K
Guest
Unfortunately the situation in South Africa will never change. The white man will always be blamed for everything. How long ago has apartheid ended? People will never move on from the wrong doings of the past. And politics does not belong in sport.
kaha
Guest
of course the main reason is political. I don't assume to be a expert on life in the republic, but since the end of apathied the situation for the majority of blacks has not changed. So until the economic situation of the poor in south africa changes I think the all blacks will have good support.
mactheblack
Guest
C.K ... Like I said in an earlier post or alluded to - support for the All Blacks was political and could you blame some of us for that? If it still is for political reasons, so be it! But there are many guys out there who are au fait with ABs' history - and enjoy the way they play the game. I don't think they'll support a player like Jean De Villiers to be chosen, who only breaks inside and doesn't want to pass the ball at all. Watch the re-runs of the Test against the Wallabies in Durbs. That's not the way of the All Blacks ... anyway nothing against the Boks; they're a champion side indeed and I give them the utmost respect. Certainly it will be a cracker on Saturday in PE!
C.K
Guest
I've read on a South African website that fans for the All Blacks claim that they support the AB's merely for the type of rugby they play. Unfortunately this is not true (from reliable sources). The reason is completely politically motivated. What a big shame.
SA
Guest
Yet in a new non-racial South Africa, is it not time to follow the example of our greatest leader, Nelson Mandela, and support the boks, your countries national team, instead of a country that you will probably never see or visit. It frustrates me as a young South African to view my fellow countrymen act like this. The reason they support the all Blacks is also a racial one. Many coloured South Africans believe they look like moari people and that is a big reason why they support the All Blacks. You are South African be proud of our great country and sporting teams.
TommyM
Guest
Wonderful post Mac. Thanks for sharing your story.
Je Geniko
Guest
A thoroughly interesting piece Mac. Go the ABs! Yes, I certainly do take the ABs for granted. The support the ABs received in PE has helped me to realise that fact.
Moaman
Guest
Didn't bore me atall....wonderful to read,wonderful sentiment. I'll be looking for 'you' in the stands on Saturday !! ;-)
turkey slap
Guest
Great read mactheblack cheers
mactheblack
Guest
I just think that it's probably a case of New Zealanders taking your AB team for granted; (if what you say is true about them not being revered down your way as much as a certain section of the population in SA) in countries like ours they have always been a benchmark with their high quality of rugby and maintaining standards throughout the years. There is of course passionate and patriotic support for the All Blacks in New Zealand. And as far as South Africa is concerned, I repeat that it is, in the main, a certain section of the rugby-mad SA public, who pay their allegiance to the ABs. There are many many more Bok supporters around, than those of ABs. Even more Bok supporters pitched up at the airport in Port Elizabeth on Sunday night, when the South Africans arrived after the All Blacks. There is also a political history attached to support for the Kiwis in SA - majority of the coloured and black (racial definitions accorded to us by then-apartheid regimes), where any victory achieved by the All Blacks against the Boks was a victory for millions of disenfranchised peoples. A victory for the All Blacks was a victory for the marginalised over the maligned apartheid State's support of their beloved Bok. Being reminded that some Maoris in the side in former years, were given white honorary status to play over here, makes me a tad embarrassed - the lobby groups were against that; but hey, we gave the ABs their breathing space so they could trounce the Boks and give us the victory over apartheid. Anyway, when my dad raised me on his shoulders as a 7-year-old to have a peak at the Blacks arriving at the selfsame PE airport in 1970 for their Test against the Boks, the first member my eyes fell on was Colin "Pinetree Meads" - and I was sold on the ABs from that minute on - I still hold that image in my mind's eye; something surreal about it. The coloured and black population often see the Maori component as their heroes, names like Syd Going, Bryan Williams, Billy Bush, Frank Bunce, Lomu etc. are often still held in awe by fans of a previous era - including myself. Of course the fan club was not only limited to them, Mexted, "Cowboy" Shaw, Kronfeld, Andy Haden, Laidlaw, Kirwan, Michael, Ian Jones, etc. among them are always etched on the memory forever. Now people like my dad have moved over to the Springbok - and a die-hard one at that. many others, since transition to democracy have done the same. But many like me, still remain true to the All Black tradition - "once a Black always a Black". The other reason I could proffer for the support of the All Blacks is their style of play - we love the running rugby, the skillls they protray, the support play, - it's the way most "so-called coloured" folk in SA like to play the game - and the Kiwis epitomise that way. We had many brilliant "coloured" and "black" players during during the apartheid years - players who would walk any Bok team; but divide and rule policies did not allow them to don the Green and Gold. Understand, they could not play on the same fields, enter the same pubs, stay in the same areas etc. They supported the opposition; they could not show patriotic fervour .. and could you blame them? The ABs are the perfect rugby article in many people's eyes over here. However in our fanaticism of the ABs, I concede they are not invincible; like in every other sport there will be peaks and troughs even the mighty can come down; all we would like to see them do is win this darn thing - William Webb Ellis ... as Dave Kirk still stands alone with his team in solitary victory in 87. As one supporter's tatoo reflected on Sunday when the ABs arrived in PE "All Black for Life." Hpe I did not bore you with the detail.
rae1
Guest
We are their toughest critics in nz,so the ABs are expected to do more than just turn up to get a rousing reception in nz. Really cool to see how popular they are in PE (west,west auckland) SA though lol.
Red Chief
Roar Pro
Its magic, I'd imagine new All Blacks only get a sense of how big the "brand" or whatever you want to call it is when they travel overseas.
Bayboy
Guest
What's even funnier is not even South Africa get that type of welcome in SA
rugbymad
Guest
crazy the abs don't even get this type of welcome in nz http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsV_iNcP1UM