‘Simple human error’: South Africa rugby boss apologises to All Blacks for ‘extremely regrettable’ haka blunder

The South African Rugby Union has apologised to its New Zealand counterparts for the disgraceful incident that occurred during the Rugby Championship Test in Johannesburg.

The All Blacks were nearing the end of the famous pre-game challenge when loud music and fireworks and an A380 plane taking off interrupted the finale.

New Zealand No. 10 Damian McKenzie said he was not a fan of planes flying during the haka.

“I don’t know when the plane was supposed to take off. It’s an opportunity for us to connect with home… we knew there would be noise, but it’s beyond my control,” he told reporters.

(Photo: Dave Rowland/Getty Images)

Coach Scott Robertson said the haka was “a very revered tradition in our sport”.

“Everyone has their own way of receiving it. We are prepared for it (the response), it’s not the first time, so they try to take away our advantage that they think we have got with the haka. I think that adds to the drama of it. It’s not going to change, so just accept it.”

On Monday, SA Rugby CEO Ryan Oberholzer issued a statement of apology.

“I have personally apologised and have written to the NZRFU to formally regret and apologise for what happened,” the statement said.

“It was never intended to organise an activity that would coincide with such a significant moment in a Test match against the All Blacks. This incident was the result of timing challenges and simple human error.

“In the confusion, the excited cheering of the crowd was misinterpreted as the conclusion of the haka by an invisible sound engineer, who restarted the concert. This was extremely regrettable, but was in no way intentional.”

Oberholzer said SA Rugby was upset by the breach of protocol and the blatant display of disrespect it generated.

“We attach great importance to the values ​​and traditions of the game,” Oberholzer said. “The unfortunate events in no way reflect South African rugby’s lack of respect for the significance and history of the haka. We will ensure that such mistakes are not repeated.”

The second Test between the teams in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship will be played at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.

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