South Africa Rugby Union has apologised to New Zealand over “extremely regrettable” disruption to the closing levels of their haka earlier than the hosts’ Rugby Championship victory on Saturday in Johannesburg.
As a mark of respect, historically the opposition would stay silent and permit New Zealand to carry out the haka.
Nevertheless, at Emirates Airline Park, the ultimate moments had been overlaid by music and fireworks, in addition to a flyover by an A380 airline brought on by “timekeeping challenges” and “easy human error”, based on SA Rugby chief govt Rian Oberholzer.
“I apologised in particular person and have written to the NZRFU to formally specific our remorse and apologies for what occurred,” added Oberholzer.
“It was by no means the intention to schedule any actions that might coincide with such an iconic second of any Check match in opposition to the All Blacks.
“Within the confusion, the group’s excited cheering was mistaken to have marked the conclusion of the Haka by an unsighted sound engineer who restarted the music programme.
“It was extremely regrettable however on no account deliberate.”
Grant Williams’ late attempt rounded off a shocking 31-27 comeback victory in Johannesburg to make it three wins from three for the Springboks within the Rugby Championship.
The 2 sides play once more on Saturday at DHL Stadium in Cape City.
