"Not deliberate" - South Africa forced to apologise for Haka disruption
Rugby NewsThursday, 10 September 2026 at 05:51
South Africa Rugby was forced to apologise to the All Blacks following their 2024 clash at Ellis Park after a series of events was perceived as showing a lack of respect for the Haka.
The closing moments of the traditional challenge were drowned out by music and fireworks, while an A380 aircraft also flew over the stadium.
The disruption came after pre-planned scheduling was not followed as intended, with SA Rugby later insisting there had been no deliberate attempt to disrespect the All Blacks.
wo years on, the Springboks and All Blacks are preparing to bring their historic four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series to a close in the United States.
South Africa head into the fourth and final Test with a 2-1 series advantage following their dramatic 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium.
The finale will take place in Baltimore, with the Springboks knowing another victory will secure the inaugural series outright. An All Blacks win would level it at 2-2.
This year’s tour has already produced several memorable moments surrounding the Haka.
Before the Test series began, All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu produced an incredible moment while representing the Sharks, responding to the New Zealand challenge by performing the Haka alone in front of his former international teammates.
The Durban crowd impeccably observed the exchange.
It was a very different story when the Springboks and All Blacks met at Ellis Park in 2024.
SA Rugby issued apology
SA Rugby chief executive Rian Oberholzer apologised after music, fireworks and the flyover disrupted the closing stages of the Haka.
“I apologised in person and have written to the NZRFU to formally express our regret and apologies for what occurred,” Oberholzer said.
He stressed that the incident was caused by human error rather than any deliberate attempt to interfere with one of rugby’s most famous traditions.
“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.
“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.”
Oberholzer added: “We hold dear the values and traditions of the game.
“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.”
The All Blacks accepted the apology.
There has been no repeat of the controversy during this year’s series, with the rivalry now heading into completely new territory for its final chapter.
After three Tests in South Africa, the two rugby giants head to Baltimore for the series finale, where the Springboks can complete a 3-1 victory.
The All Blacks, meanwhile, have one final opportunity to deny their great rivals and leave the United States with the series locked at 2-2.
Springboks handed toughest route to 2027 Rugby World Cup final
Rassie Erasmus' side have been handed a favourable pool on paper, but the knockout stages promise far tougher challenges. We take a look at the Springboks' projected route to the final and the obstacles standing between them and more history.
Pool stage draw
South Africa have been placed in Pool B alongside Italy, Georgia and Romania.
It looks like a favourable draw for the reigning world champions, with Italy expected to be their biggest rival for first place. Georgia's physical approach and Romania's powerful set piece should still demand respect, but South Africa will expect to top the group.
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Round of 16
The Springboks are currently projected to face the runner-up from Pool E, which is likely to be Japan or the USA depending on how that group develops.
Either side would be viewed as a manageable opponent, although South Africa will not have forgotten their famous defeat to Japan in 2015. They should still be expected to progress comfortably.
Quarter-finals
A quarter-final against one of the leading Tier 1 nations appears most likely, with New Zealand or Australia the probable opponents. England are an outside possibility, but that would require them to finish third in their pool, making that scenario unlikely.
Pool A is expected to be won by either New Zealand or Australia. While the All Blacks look stronger on paper, Australia will benefit from home advantage. Whoever emerges will provide South Africa's first major challenge of the tournament.
Semi-finals
The most likely opponents would come from the top half of Pool E, with France, Ireland, Argentina and Scotland all potential contenders. If results go as expected, France are the team most likely to reach this stage.
Although Les Bleus have occasionally found southern hemisphere opposition difficult, their world class talent makes them one of the strongest teams in the competition and a serious obstacle.
Final
England are the most likely opponents if South Africa reach the final, although New Zealand cannot be ruled out. England, Ireland and Argentina all appear well placed to come through the opposite side of the draw.
If the All Blacks fail to win their pool, they would also only be able to face the Springboks in the final.
Predicted Springboks World Cup route:
Pool Stage: 1st
Round of 16: Japan
Quarter-final: New Zealand
Semi-final: France
Final: England
Round of 16: Japan
Quarter-final: New Zealand
Semi-final: France
Final: England
2027 World Cup Draw
Pool A
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Chile
- Hong Kong
Pool B
- South Africa
- Italy
- Georgia
- Romania
Pool C
- Argentina
- Fiji
- Spain
- Canada
Pool D
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Uruguay
- Portugal
Pool E
- France
- Japan
- USA
- Samoa
Pool F
- England
- Wales
- Tonga
- Zimbabwe
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