All Blacks v Springboks: Kevin Pietersen takes aim at Tupou Vaa’i for ‘embarrassing’ celebrations

Former England cricket captain Kevin Pietersen has attempted to get under the skin of All Blacks fans by taking a swing at lock Tupou Vaa’i for his “embarrassing” celebrations against the Springboks.

Vaa’i was one of New Zealand’s best on the field as they claimed a 24-17 win over South Africa, to extend their unbeaten run at Eden Park to 51 tests.

The 25-year-old was celebrating all the big moments in the physical contest, including when he combined with Scott Barrett to force a penalty after the Boks attempted an open play maul early in the first half, and the celebrations were even bigger in the final minute after Ardie Savea’s game-winning turnover.

But not everyone was a fan, including South African-born Pietersen, who took to social media to vent his frustrations.

“I hope the All Blacks had their review of yesterday’s test and the coach explained to their number 5, that celebrating a turnover like you’ve won the World Cup is embarrassing! Leave that to other teams,” Pietersen wrote on X.

I hope the @AllBlacks had their review of yesterday’s Test and the coach explained to their number 5, that celebrating a turnover like you’ve won the World Cup is embarrassing!
Leave that to other teams……..

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) September 7, 2025

While there were a few commentators who did agree with Pietersen, many disagreed with his views.

“Surely you understand sledging and the role it plays in getting under the other team’s skin,” one person wrote. ”Every team needs those players.

Another said: “As they say when in Rome, whining like a true Englishman, transformation complete.”

Others took the chance to take a dig at Pietersen’s allegiances by saying: “What’s embarrassing is a South African playing cricket for England.”

Speaking to Sky Sport after the match, Vaa’i said it was like “a world title fight”.

“It was two heavyweights going at each other,” Vaa’i said. “It was a tough match out there and the Springboks really did bring it.

“We need to be better come next week because the Springboks are definitely hurting and they’ll come back firing.”

After defeat at Eden Park, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has rung the changes in his backline for Saturday’s second test in Wellington, with winger Cheslin Kolbe the only member to be retained in the starting line-up this week.