There is a reason why the current tour between the Springboks and the All Blacks is called “Rugby's Greatest Rivalry” and it is not only because they are two of the top-performing rugby teams, but also because of the long history and loyal fandom that ties the two together.
Kyknet’s latest doccie series “Tweespalt” (Battle Lines), which had its premier at the Silwerskerm Festival, investigates the divided loyalties within rugby fandom – supporters of the Springboks versus the All Blacks.
The show, which will air on kykNET (DStv Channel 144) from Wednesday 9 September, explores the history and the friction between the two teams through a uniquely South African lens.
According to a show description:
“It tells the story of Springbok and All Blacks supporters living on the same soil, yet not united by sport.
“The series delves deeply into questions of identity, loyalty, history and division. Why do so many South Africans passionately support the All Blacks? Through interviews with former players, journalists and supporters, ‘Tweespalt’ uncovers decades of tension shaped by apartheid, politics and personal convictions.
“Through iconic matches and raw personal stories, the documentary reveals a rivalry that extends far beyond what is reflected on the scoreboard.”
After having watched the show’s first episode, “Tweespalt” will entertain both casual and devoted rugby fans who have always been curious about the origin of South African-All Black fans, and why they still remain loyal to the All Blacks over 30 years into democracy.
While it may not be the series’ direct intent, it does a brilliant job at deconstructing the myth that there is “no politics in sport”. The series, directed by Janina Oberholzer, shows that as much as rugby is a sport of peak athleticism, it has always been political.
It shows how even the reason why some South African fans support the All Blacks, is partly tied to political reasons of choosing to support a team who brought Maori players to the country, during apartheid, despite political pressure to exclude them.
The first episode alone gives a taste of what the show intends to unpack, and does a good job of setting up the context.
Interviews with Wynand Claassen, Benna October, Breyton Paulse, Victor Matfield, Marco Botha, and Heindrich Wyngaard all woven together with archival footage and images. Included are interviews with loyal supporters who all paint the picture of what it takes to not only be a Springboks fan, but also an All Blacks fan.
One of the series’ strengths is how it examines the bond, respect and comradery between the two teams. Including people’s experiences of the 1965 Springboks tour, and also the 1981 tour to New Zealand.
One of the good quotes in the first episode comes from Botha who at one point in Afrikaans said: “South Africa is rugby, and rugby is South Africans”.
The episode also goes on to highlight the often overlooked history of Errol Tobias, who is the first player of colour to play in a test match for the South African national side. I really liked that Oberholzer, not only included this, but also the tensions which surrounded Tobias as there were those who criticised him for being sell-out during the time.
It is a complex history, and one that is not a neat or tidy picture of what it means to represent your country during its period of black oppression.
Another thing is hearing from the All Blacks supporters, dubbed the “Cape Crusaders” who get their fair chance to not only explain why they support the team, but also why they continue to hold on despite the multi-racial era of the Springboks.
“Tweespalt” also touches on the damage of what the quota system did and why despite its good intentions, it was used to undermine the contribution of players of colour within the team by racist fans.
Another enjoyable moment from the first episode of the show was getting to hear from Paulse, who told a story of his frustration at being asked political questions during press conferences when he had initially made the team.
Paulse shared some of the wisdom that rugby-legend Chester Williams had shared with him at the time, and while it is a small moment, it will be something that many will connect to.
The show teases that it will continue to explore all the ups, the downs and the politics involved in rugby's greatest rivalry, and the fans who support them.
The only thing I wished to have seen was interviews with at least one All Blacks player. I know that financially that would have been a tough ask, but I think it would have really been nice to hear from an All Blacks player about how they felt touring South Africa during the apartheid years, and also what they make of the local supporters.
That being said, if the rest of the show continues to maintain the calibre of the first, it is clear that “Tweespalt” will be one doccie series that both Springboks and All Blacks fans cannot afford to miss out on.
* The first episode of “Tweespalt” will air on kykNET (DStv Channel 144) from Wednesday 9 September. This doccie series is produced by IdeaCandy.
theolin.tembo@nationalmg.co.za