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Home / Sport / Rugby / Rugby World Cup

Torn between two teams

By Stacey Hunt
20 Sep, 2007 05:39 AM3 mins to read

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Daley Harper gets body painted in preparation for the All Blacks vs Springboks. Photo / Capital Community Newspapers

Daley Harper gets body painted in preparation for the All Blacks vs Springboks. Photo / Capital Community Newspapers

Do you have any great World Cup photos?

KEY POINTS:

Jomine Neethling is a staunch supporter of the ABs - most of the time.

But born in South Africa she knows what it's like to be a minority here in New Zealand and what it's like to be gently - and sometimes not so gently - ribbed about
the Springboks.

Staunchly loyal to her home country Ms Neethling said she will, "support the All Blacks whenever they are not playing South Africa".

Each weekend during the Cup she is getting up at 2am, dressing in her South African gear and watching the games - on her own.

Unlike some other Springbok supporters, she is backing South Africa to win.

She is one of the 41,676 South African born people living in New Zealand, according to the 2006 census results.

And a South Africa, New Zealand Rugby World Cup final will be the one to watch if these South African fans in New Zealand get their way.

Although obviously rooting for South Africa, supporters said they will be happy to see either team win.

Philip Langenhoven, chairperson of the Afrikaans club of New Zealand, said he would love to see the Springboks meet the All Blacks in the final as he always supports both.

"I am a fence sitter, I always support both, but when they meet I get this weird feeling of happiness whoever wins."

Moving from South Africa 10 years ago, Dylan Quinnell, a 21-year-old student, also supports both teams.

"I support South Africa but I'd like to see the All Blacks win because they deserve it.

"But I won't pretend that I won't be happy if South Africa wins," said Mr Quinnell.

With attitudes like this from the Springbok supporters Mr Langenhoven said there may not be the strong rivalry that many kiwis seem to like the idea of.

"Many Kiwis are deflated when they find out the South African in the group is an All Blacks supporter too."

But the good natured banter between Kiwis and South Africans may still continue for some, as it arouses more passion for the game, said Ms Neethling.

"We have to be more passionate because we are the minority and the Kiwis you watch it with will always be more vocal because a South African is there," said Ms Neethling.

It appears that even though Springbok supporters are impressed with their team's performance they still think the All Blacks might be the stronger team.

Mr Langenhoven said: "I'm quite surprised with the Springboks performance so far, but one never knows with pressure mounting if they will sustain that.

"The All Blacks are proving to be awesome and they have a huge winning percentage whereas the Springboks have had a roller-coaster ride of success."

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