Springboks apologise for ‘highly regrettable’ All Blacks’ Haka interference
All Blacks Haka v Springboks at Ellis Park
The South African Rugby Union have apologised to the New Zealand Rugby Union for the interference at the end of the All Blacks’ Haka ahead of the Test at Ellis Park.
As the Haka was drawing to a close, fireworks were set off, music began playing around the ground and the A380 airliner flew overhead – which SARU have put down to the failure to observe the ‘pre-planned scheduling’ and ‘human error’.
“Highly regrettable”
In a statement, Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said: “I apologised in person and have written to the NZRFU to formally express our regret and apologies for what occurred.”
“It was never the intention to schedule any activities that would coincide with such an iconic moment of any Test match against the All Blacks. That it occurred was a result of timekeeping challenges and simple human error.”
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“In the confusion, the crowd’s excited cheering was mistaken to have marked the conclusion of the Haka by an unsighted sound engineer who restarted the music programme. It was highly regrettable but in no way deliberate.”
“We hold dear the values and traditions of the game,” Oberholzer continued. “The unfortunate events in no way represent any lack of respect that South African rugby holds for the significance and history of the Haka. We will ensure such errors cannot be repeated.”
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Significant Haka
The Haka is always a special tradition for the All Blacks, but the one at the weekend held even more significance than usual.
The All Blacks held a special prayer ahead of the Haka, and also wore black armbands to pay tribute to Māori King, Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII who died on Friday at the age of 69.
“The All Blacks will be wearing black armbands tonight to acknowledge the passing of the Māori King, Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII,” New Zealand Rugby said in a statement before the game.
“TJ Perenara will also say a prayer at the beginning of the haka to pay respect to the late King.”