The Rise of the Cape Crusaders in South Africa
Up to 5,000 mostly local supporters gathered at DHL Stadium to welcome the touring New Zealand side for a free public event organized by South Africa Rugby. According to historical context noted by organizers, this deep-seated support for the All Blacks in Cape Town traces back to South Africa’s apartheid era. During that period, many members of coloured communities backed the visiting New Zealand teams because the Springboks were widely viewed as a white team and a symbol of state discrimination, a sentiment further cemented by anti-apartheid protests in New Zealand during 1981.
Today, these loyalists are known locally as the “Cape Crusaders.” While speaking at the welcome event, All Blacks hooker and tour captain Codie Taylor acknowledged the surprising scale of the turnout. “We take a lot of pride in being a rugby nation ourselves, but I think we’ve been trumped and it’s pretty evident today,” Taylor said, according to team media releases.
Springboks Fans Voice Frustration Over Divided Loyalties
The public display of affection for the visitors did not sit well with all local fans.
South African rugby writer Brenden Nel voiced his dismay on X, stating: “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.” Nel later added that while fans are free to choose their allegiance, backing a team based on historical grievances rather than current mutual respect remains difficult to comprehend.
Did you know? Ticket prices for the upcoming Tests in Cape Town range from just over $NZ40 to $NZ400, drawing mixed reactions from fans attending the opening events alongside their cheers for the touring side.
Preparing for the Ultimate Test on the Highveld
Beyond the fan reception, the All Blacks face a demanding seven-match itinerary that includes three Test matches against the Springboks. Assistant coach Jason Ryan acknowledged the immense challenge ahead when speaking with New Zealand reporters. “Massive respect – they’re the best in the world,” Ryan said of the Springboks pack, emphasizing the need for meticulous preparation around the opposition’s dominant scrum and maul identity.
Taylor, who is currently managing a calf niggle and aiming for a return later in the tour, echoed those sentiments regarding the difficulty of playing the world champions on home soil. Following the initial fixtures in Cape Town, the squad will travel to matches in Durban, Pretoria, and Johannesburg before concluding this leg of the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Cape Town fans support the All Blacks?
How many matches are the All Blacks playing in South Africa?
The All Blacks are undertaking a seven-match tour of South Africa, which includes three Test matches against the Springboks.
Who is captaining the All Blacks on this tour in the absence of Ardie Savea?
Hooker Codie Taylor is acting as the All Blacks’ tour captain while Ardie Savea is absent.
What are your thoughts on the divided loyalties during international rugby tours? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below.
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