Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says New Zealand’s enduring popularity in South Africa could work in the Kiwis’ favour on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
The All Blacks will begin the series against the Stormers on Friday, and were given a warm welcome at Cape Town Stadium last week, where hundreds of supporters turned out for the team’s official “Welcome to Country” event.
The tourists then face the Sharks, Vodacom Bulls and Lions as well as three Tests against the Springboks before a fourth in the US.
ALSO: All Blacks brace for unknown Stormers battle
Hansen believes New Zealand have deliberately made an effort to strengthen their connection with local supporters.
“It’s always been a place where the All Blacks have been loved. They were the number one team for the people of colour for a long time,” he said on the Rugby Unity podcast.
“I think there’s a lot more unity behind South Africa… but they’re still a team that’s remembered for what they have done and are well loved, so it’s good to see.
“I also think there’s 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.
ICYMI: Cape Crusader gets Maori name
“You’ve got a combo there of a team wanting to be seen to be doing the right thing and the fans who actually love them, so there’s a lot of excitement about this tour.”
Former Wallabies boss Ewen McKenzie, who toured South Africa as a player during the country’s return to international rugby in 1992, believes the Mother City has always embraced visiting teams and says that mutual respect has endured for decades.
“I don’t think we’ve had a bad experience in Cape Town… the support and enthusiasm has been there across the board – it’s been there from day one.
“A lot has happened since then but in Cape Town in particular, rugby has been very well supported and the teams have been very well received.
“We’ve been well received there as Wallabies as well but, as Steve says, the All Blacks have always been the second team… and the respect between those two countries is unparalleled.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Hansen tips hat to Cape Crusaders ‘ploy’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says New Zealand’s enduring popularity in South Africa could work in the Kiwis’ favour on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
The post Hansen tips hat to Cape Crusaders ‘ploy’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
