Rassie Erasmus has made an unusual public request ahead of Saturday's first Rugby Championship Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park — asking the home crowd to stay silent during the haka.
"I would love it if the people at Ellis Park do the same as the guys in Cape Town where it's quiet, where we hear the haka 100% because I think it's something special," Erasmus said at a press conference in Johannesburg on Monday.
He cited the reaction of Johan Grobbelaar and Elrigh Louw, who faced the haka for the first time when the Bulls met the All Blacks last Saturday, as evidence of its impact on players. "They tell how lekker it was and how intense the game was and the small things that New Zealand do so well within the game."
In a deliberate tactical move, Erasmus confirmed he will not name his squad until Thursday — a departure from his usual Monday announcement practice ahead of home Tests. "The announcement on Thursday is respect for New Zealand and knowing how tough this one is going to be. The less time they have to prepare for our team, the better."
Erasmus also revealed that attack coach Tony Brown was held back from last week's squad trip to Argentina specifically to work with players earmarked for this weekend. "Tony worked with some guys who are gonna be in the team this weekend and we've got some plans for this game."
On the All Blacks under Dave Rennie — an opponent Erasmus knows from their respective stints at Munster and Glasgow, and who won three of four Tests against the Boks when coaching the Wallabies — Erasmus expects tactical surprises. "He will have made plans which he will not show in the franchise matches, and they will definitely not do exactly the same stuff that they did in the Nations Championship."
However, he does not expect New Zealand to abandon their core identity. "They won't go away from the way they're attacking. But they'll have one or two great starter moves." He also flagged their breakdown work as a particular area of focus. "They are very focused, brutal at the breakdown. Their attacking kicks are as dangerous as them keeping the ball in hand."
Erasmus acknowledged the All Blacks remain a benchmark for the Springboks, recalling how figures like Murray Mexted and Rob Louw shaped him as a young player during the 1981 tour and the 1986 Cavaliers series. "We're 100% sure that New Zealand's going to get up there again — it's just when they're going to beat us. Hopefully not this weekend."
Kickoff at Ellis Park on Saturday is at 5.10pm.