Thousands of ‘Cape Crusaders’ welcome All Blacks to Cape Town (videos)
· The South African
An estimated 4 000 South African “Cape Crusaders” supporters turned out at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town on Friday to give the All Blacks a warm welcome ahead of the opening Test of the highly anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
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The free public event attracted rugby fans of all ages, with organisers treating supporters to an afternoon of live music, entertainment and family-friendly activities as excitement continued to build ahead of next week’s blockbuster clash against the Springboks.
Fans get rare access to All Blacks stars
One of the highlights of the event came when members of the New Zealand squad took to the stage to share their thoughts ahead of the series opener, giving supporters a rare opportunity to see some of world rugby’s biggest stars up close.
Fans packed into the venue to catch a glimpse of the visitors, with many wearing black jerseys and waving New Zealand flags as they welcomed the team to the Mother City.
The event formed part of the official build-up to one of rugby’s fiercest and most celebrated rivalries, with South Africa and New Zealand set to renew battle in what promises to be another memorable Test series.
With anticipation continuing to grow, both teams are expected to play in front of capacity crowds as millions of viewers around the world tune in to watch two of rugby’s greatest nations go head-to-head once again.
The “Cape Crusaders” refers to South African rugby fans – predominantly from Cape Town’s coloured communities – who historically supported the All Blacks and the Crusaders as a form of political protest against apartheid and discriminatory treatment by various South African sports establishments.
Four provinces to test the All Blacks
The All Blacks will play seven matches in South Africa on their ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ tour, including three Tests and four matches against provincial sides.
A fourth Test will take place in Baltimore in the United States on 12 September.
- Friday, 7 August: Stormers vs New Zealand, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town – 19:00
- Tuesday, 11 August: Sharks vs New Zealand, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – 19:00
- Saturday, 15 August: Bulls vs New Zealand, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria – 19:00
- Saturday, 22 August: First Test, Ellis Park, Johannesburg – 17:05
- Tuesday, 25 August: Lions vs New Zealand, Ellis Park, Johannesburg – 19:00
- Saturday, 29 August: Second Test, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town – 17:05
- Saturday, 5 September: Third Test, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg – 17:05
- Saturday, 12 September: Fourth Test, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, United States – TBC