Gayton McKenzie urges All Blacks supporters in SA to back Siya Kolisi and the Springboks

According to The South African, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has urged South African supporters of the New Zealand All Blacks to switch their allegiance and back Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and the national team.

Appeal delivered at SA Sports Awards

McKenzie made the appeal at the 19th annual SA Sports Awards at Sun City in the North West, and a video of his remarks has since circulated on TikTok, The South African reports.

His message to All Blacks supporters

Addressing South Africans who still support the All Blacks, McKenzie acknowledged past hurt and described a change of priorities. He said:

“I understand that you are hurt. That’s why you’re supporting the All Blacks. I used to support the All Blacks myself. But there comes a time and a place in everybody’s life where patriotism must come first.”

He then called on supporters to make a visible switch of loyalty. As quoted by The South African, he asked:

“I’m asking you: can you get rid of your All Black T-shirts and put on your green T-shirt? This is your country. This is our country.”

McKenzie points to Siya Kolisi as reason to change allegiance

The South African reports McKenzie argued the modern Springboks reflect a changed South Africa and singled out the team’s captain. He said:

“The captain of the Springboks is a Black from the Eastern Cape, Siya Kolisi. He’s your child. He’s my child.”

Context in the rivalry

The appeal came as the Springboks and All Blacks contest a four-Test series described in the coverage as Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. The South African noted New Zealand opened the series with a 33-16 win at Ellis Park on 22 August and that South Africa responded with a 33-26 victory at DHL Stadium in Cape Town a week later to level the series at 1-1. The third Test was scheduled for FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on 5 September, The South African reported.

On his past support for New Zealand

The South African says McKenzie has publicly written about once supporting the All Blacks. During the 2015 Rugby World Cup he wrote:

“I love rugby, I however love my people more. I cannot support the Springboks at RWC 2015. I will be supporting the All Blacks.”

Call for unity

At the SA Sports Awards McKenzie urged South Africans to move on from historical grievances and to unite behind the national team. According to The South African, he said:

“Let us let bygones be bygones. Let us forget the past. We are Springboks, and Springboks are us.”