Rassie Erasmus accepts divided loyalties for All Blacks showdown

The divided loyalties have historical roots, particularly in the apartheid era when some South Africans identified with the All Blacks because New Zealand’s teams were seen as more representative of a multiracial society. 

While transformation in South African rugby has changed the landscape, some supporters have retained their allegiance to New Zealand.

With the two sides now preparing to renew rugby’s biggest rivalry at Ellis Park on Saturday, Erasmus says there are a number of factors that could explain why some South Africans still back New Zealand.

"They've got massive support this side, but it's been that way since my youth. On the flip side, we didn't have many supports a few years back, but we have grown from about 6 million to 16 million staunch Springbok supporters."

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Erasmus says the intense rivalry between the Springboks and the All Blacks can only benefit the sport, with the first of four Tests set to take place at Ellis Park.

The Springbok coach believes the significance of the fixture extends beyond the result.

"Games like this make people want to watch more rugby because who knows who is going to win on Saturday, nobody can tell. I don't have a problem with people supporting the All Blacks because if we can't win them over with the way we play and the way we carry our team and put our country first then that's fine by me, we're all good."

The All Blacks arrived in South Africa under new head coach Dave Rennie, who replaced Scott Robertson earlier this year and has made an unbeaten start to his tenure in Test rugby.

Rennie’s side won all three of their Nations Championship fixtures against France, Italy and Ireland before adding victories over the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls on their South African tour.

Despite that impressive run, Erasmus expects a different challenge when New Zealand encounter the world champions.