All Blacks soaking up the sights in Cape Town
All Blacks receive warm Cape Town welcome
If you’re wondering why you’re not seeing any pictures of the All Blacks on top of Table Mountain, it’s not because they’re suddenly afraid of heights. Cape Town’s most famous attraction’s access gondola is currently undergoing its annual maintenance, which means if you want to get up to see one of the greatest views in the world, you’ll have to hike up.
But it’s fair to say the All Blacks have made themselves right at home in Cape Town regardless. Given that 5,000 fans showed up to greet them at DHL Stadium on day one of the Greatest Rivalry Tour, it’s hard not to understand why, as they prepare this week to take on the Stormers.
”l have very good memories here in Cape Town,” said Wallace Sititi, who played his second test in the Mother City two years ago.
“We're really loved being out here and we've definitely felt the love the last few days…you know, it's about the journey that got me here, and we're just looking forward to the Stormers now.”
Historic Stormers clash awaits All Blacks
It’s the first time in three decades that an All Black side has embarked on a full tour of South Africa, but this one is the first time they have played the former Super Rugby and now URC sides. The Stormers made the semi-finals of the URC and were knocked out by eventual champions Leinster, who had current All Black Rieko Ioane in their ranks.
Training has been typically intense as the squad jostles for spots in the first fixture.
All Blacks v Stormers
5.00am (NZT) Sunday 8 August
Watch live on Sky Sport NZ
Rennie excited for Greatest Rivalry Tour challenge
All Blacks Head coach Dave Rennie will name his side on Thursday morning NZT, but it is likely that some wider squad members will see some significant game time.
“We are incredibly excited to be here,” said Rennie.
“This is the first tour in 30 years, and it’s the toughest country to tour in the world. But it’s going to be an exciting six to seven weeks. I’ve been to Cape Town a lot and the people always give us amazing support. Seeing so many people in All Blacks jerseys, we are going to need all your support over the next few weeks. Cape Town is about the people.”
All Blacks explore Cape Town landmarks
The squad enjoyed a day off on Tuesday, and while Table Mountain was off limits, a group of players headed to another iconic Cape Town destination: Robben Island. The island, which is about a 15 minute boat ride from the city’s port, was where Nelson Mandela spent much of his 27-year imprisonment, before being released to become South Africa’s president.
Others enjoyed Cape Town’s impressive waterfront, which was made better by a stunning couple of days of sunshine.
A century of rugby history in Cape Town
While it’s the first time the All Blacks and Stormers have met, there is a long history of non test matches in Cape Town. In fact, a Cape Town Clubs selection have the honour of recording the first ever win in this sort of fixture, all the way back in 1928. The All Blacks then lost to Western Province in Cape Town later in that tour, one of two victories the traditional powerhouse has achieved over them (the second came on the 1976 tour).
Western Province’s proud rugby legacy
The iconic blue and white striped jersey of Western Province has been a cornerstone of South African rugby success ever since its origins in the 19th century. It has produced an incredible 260 Springboks, with Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit to name just a few, hailing from the region.
Why Cape Town loves the All Blacks
However, the Cape region is synonymous with support for the All Blacks, something that began as a rejection of the apartheid era Springboks. These days, in a vastly changed South Africa, that support is widely acknowledged to be just as much of a veneration for the style of rugby the All Blacks have historically played.
Sititi was full of praise for the local All Black fans.
”I think one thing we know is that Cape Town loves the All Blacks…we're extremely grateful for everyone that's reached out, not only those who came to the welcoming, but also just hanging around the hotel and around the streets. We’re just extremely grateful for the people of Cape Town.”
The good news is this is the first of two visits the All Blacks will make here. They return for the second test against the Springboks at DHL Stadium on 29 August, but the good news doesn’t stop there: the Table Mountain gondola will be back in action by then.
