All Blacks accept South Africa's apology for Haka disruption

The All Blacks have accepted an apology from South Africa after fireworks, music, and a jet fly-over partly drowned out the All Blacks’ Haka before last weekend's Test match.

The closing moments of the Haka were affected as the pre-match schedule went awry at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

The South African Rugby Union wrote to their New Zealand counterparts to apologise, but the All Blacks camp said the noisy disruptions were not taken as a sign of disrespect.

All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan says, in all honesty, they sometimes get a bit of chaos around the Haka.

Ryan says the South African players themselves stood there and respected it as they always do, and also joked that it's probably the officials are the ones who need the uppercut.

The Springboks came from behind to win 31-27, cementing their place at the top of the Rugby Championship table, eight points ahead of second-placed New Zealand, the title-holders.

The Haka, which dates back to the 'Original All Blacks' tour to Europe in 1905, is performed by New Zealand after the national anthems and before kick-off in each international they play.

The All Blacks will face the Springboks at 3am, while Argentina will host the Wallabies at 7am.

Both matches will be played this Sunday.

[Rugby.com.au]