The All Blacks have responded to SA Rugby’s apology for a series of ‘unintentional’ disruptions during the haka at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Assistant coach Jason Ryan and flanker Ethan Blackadder delivered a gracious response to SA Rugby and the Springboks, acknowledging the apology issued for any perceived disrespect during the haka. MARIETTE ADAMS reports.
BACKGROUND
On Saturday evening, the Springboks and All Blacks engaged in another thrilling encounter, but an unusual moment occurred before kickoff during the All Blacks’ traditional haka.
Observers noticed that towards the end of the haka, fireworks were set off prematurely by stadium operators, followed by the DJ playing the popular song “Sister Bettina,” which drowned out the haka’s conclusion.
In addition to the music and fireworks, a flyover by an A380 airliner further added to the disruption. SA Rugby has since issued a formal apology, citing a scheduling mishap as the cause.
SA RUGBY AND SPRINGBOKS APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCIDENT
In a statement released on Monday, SA Rugby confirmed that they had formally apologized to New Zealand Rugby for the series of events that interfered with the conclusion of the haka during the Rugby Championship Test at Ellis Park.
“I apologized in person and have written to the NZRFU to formally express our regret and apologies for what occurred,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.
“It was never our intention to schedule any activities that would coincide with such an iconic moment in a Test match against the All Blacks. The incident was a result of timekeeping challenges and simple human error.
“In the confusion, the crowd’s excited cheering was mistakenly believed to signal the end of the haka by a sound engineer who then restarted the music program. It was highly regrettable but in no way deliberate.”
“We deeply respect the values and traditions of the game,” Oberholzer added. “The unfortunate events in no way reflect any lack of respect that South African rugby holds for the significance and history of the haka. We will ensure such errors do not happen again.”
ALL BLACKS: APOLOGY ACCEPTED
During a media briefing shortly after SA Rugby’s apology was made public on Monday, forward coach Jason Ryan and flanker Ethan Blackadder responded.
“To be honest, there was some chaos around that, but the South African players themselves stood there and respected the haka as they always do. It’s likely the officials who were responsible for the outcome, so if they’ve apologized, it’s all good,” Ryan said.
“Personally, I didn’t even notice it. We were all focused, eyeing our opponents,” Blackadder added. “We didn’t see or hear anything; we were in the zone.”
“It’s obviously nice of them to apologize, but getting the timing right for something like an airplane flyover is pretty tough. Things like that happen,” the young All Blacks loose forward concluded.
