The Springboks will run out in their traditional green and gold jersey in Dublin on Saturday, with hosts Ireland donning an alternate white strip.
The decision may surprise fans who have seen the Boks in white for two of their three November Tests – against France and Italy – despite no obvious colour clash.
That was done in alignment with the Six Nations’ adoption of World Rugby’s colour-blind-inclusive guidelines, which aim to make matches easier to follow for the estimated 300 million colour-blind viewers worldwide, including former World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont.
But in Dublin, the roles reverse.
As one of rugby’s long-standing customs, the home team traditionally switches to their alternate kit when colours are deemed too similar. The practice dates back over a century to touring sides who travelled with limited kit options, making it easier for the host union to change strips.
While many competitions – including football – have since moved to a “away team changes” model, the older rugby tradition still holds sway in parts of the global calendar.
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The Autumn Nations Series, which governs November Tests in Europe, has introduced colour-blind guidelines but hasn’t fully adopted the football-style approach seen in the Six Nations.
During this year’s Six Nations, it was the visiting team who changed – Italy wore white at Murrayfield and Scotland did the same in Paris – but that system has not carried into these autumn fixtures.
As a result, the Boks will wear their iconic primary colours, while Ireland will switch to white. It mirrors the arrangement from last year’s tour, when the Boks hosted Ireland and wore white, and continues the reciprocity expected between the two unions.
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At the 2023 World Cup, the Boks also wore a special white kit for their pool match against Ireland after even their standard alternate jersey clashed with the Irish light green.
Saturday’s spectacle will therefore offer something rare: the Springboks in green, the Irish in white – and a traditional twist preserved on one of the game’s biggest stages.
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
The post Boks to wear green and gold in Dublin appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Springboks will run out in their traditional green and gold jersey in Dublin on Saturday, with hosts Ireland donning an alternate white strip.
The post Boks to wear green and gold in Dublin appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
