Now that the wonderful A.B.'s are out, will your fans be supporting the Boks?

Question

especially considering that in terms of Rugby prowess, we are the closest two?

Answer 1

I think every Kiwi secretly supports the Bokke. Watching our two teams go at it is the only time when the result is always in doubt. And it's the only time we don't really mind losing. Think that's a point that has been lost on many people. Losing to RSA in a quarter final would be acceptable, but France ? We know they are a great rugby nation but . . . they can only beat the All-blacks when the whole world is watching . . . once every four years !

Edit: Teamtiddles thanks for your opinion. I was under the impression that the seven tests we played against the French before the fine game in the weekend also mattered. We thumped  France in all seven - Can't say the same about RSA -  which is the point I was trying to make. And . . . I am grown up thanks mum !

Answer 2

Good answers by jonboy and Damian.

I have travelled quite a bit through Oz and New Zealand and you won't find three Nations more similar. Although I do believe SA and NZ are perhaps the most similar in cultures.

I watched the NZ - France game and the SA - Fiji game, I am in Rome at the moment.

I am South African and my wife is Italian.

I was a little disapointed by a lot of what I witnessed.

First of all, before the France game the drunk English were shouting how they "whipped" Australia. 12 - 10 is hardly a whipping.

Then the English were cheering for France (when have England ever supported France in anything) so that perhaps they would not have to meet New Zealand in the Semis.

(The Australians were also cheering for France - out of spite)

New Zealand played not only against France, but also against the referee and the crowd, and unfortunately I had to listen to the one-sided French commentary.

I was in shock as not a single decision went against France for almost half an hour, with a string of penalties against New Zealand??!!

I don't believe there was a team that would have beat France that day with that Ref and that crowd!

Come the SA - Fiji game, (the Australians were swearing that the South Africans were all arrogant b******s and cheering the French) exactly the same support for Fiji from the French and English (all of a sudden best mates??!!) neither of whom want to face SA in the possible final!!

A forward pass by about 3m goes by unchallenged by ref or linesmen to see the 3rd umpire asked if a try had been scored??!!

I enjoy Rugby, but I think the fans in particular deserve a lesson on sportsmanship and good will.

New Zealand have always had a great team and are a happy friendly people.

The are many South African supporters of the All Blacks (openly and secretly) and without a doubt the All Blacks have set the standards of skill and fitness to which SA gauged themselves on their return to International rugby.

I don't think many realise the internal problems the SA team have to deal with. Politically, SA rugby is in a dangerous place, with race quotas always present and to be enforced more strictly after the world cup (players will enter on colour rather than skill) this may be the last true (skill-based team) SA team you see.

So excuse the Boks if they have a little more on their mind than most other International players just happy to be playing for their country!

Answer 3

Damian, the French beat the ABs when it mattered, during the World Cup. Now grow up.