Springboks, away kit, john Smit

The Springboks have been criticised for their blue away kits.
Images via Twitter:
@springboks

John Smit defends Springboks away kit after fan criticism

‘Peppermint’, ‘Craven A’, and ‘Aquafresh’: Ex Springboks captain John Smit has spoken out on backlash of the team’s bold new away kit.

Springboks, away kit, john Smit

The Springboks have been criticised for their blue away kits.
Images via Twitter:
@springboks

Former Springboks captain John Smit has reacted to the backlash of the national team’s blue away kit following their match against Argentina on Saturday, 5 August.

The South African team – who won 24-13 – played in Buenos Aires in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match.

But despite the victory, social media users were full of criticism over their appearance.

Last month, the Boks unveiled their new Rugby Championship kit, courtesy of new sponsor Nike.  The announcement saw the team get a surprising new look for their away kit. 

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SPRINGBOKS FANS UNHAPPY WITH AWAY KIT

On Saturday, the Springboks were a trending topic on social media platforms like Twitter, or X.com. But all eyes were on the striking colours of SA’s national team.

Last month, Nike revealed an away jersey in a bold blue hue, stepping away from the typical green and gold. Away jerseys have traditionally been white in colour.

Springboks lift trophy in Buenos Aires 5 August 2023
The Springboks celebrate their victory in Buenos Aires. Photo: SA Rugby website.

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It said in a statement: The bold new alternative jersey pays homage to the local culture through the patterned print, and the colourway was inspired by and celebrates the hues of the local nature”.

But Boks fans were not feeling the look, which they said clashed with the blue colours of the Argentinian flag. Others argued that the Springboks should have played in “traditional” colours.

Here’s what tweeps had to say…

@Jakesdpz: “They look like peppermints.”

@philipwithone_L: “FNB and Checkers designed those”

@miss_moss: “Nike making this Springboks away kit in TURQUOISE instead of the green and gold is like saying that a Coke can shouldn’t be red anymore.”

@alisonegeer: “Boks look like creme soda floats.”

Twitter

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JOHN SMIT DEFENDS LOOK

Meanwhile, former Springboks captain John Smit has spoken out on the commentary of the team’s away look.

The retired rugby player tweeted: “It has to be said this is a training jersey, not an away Bok jersey.”

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It’s unclear if Smit is referring to the kit the team played in or the blue and green combination seen in their training practise.