The ties that bind

THE rivalry between native Australian and South African expat Jewish sports fans is as strong as ever.

Both countries’ backers are renowned the world over for their ferocious parochialism when it comes to the exploits of their sporting heroes, especially when they take to the field in opposition.

And few contests spark the rivalry like a Springboks-Wallabies battle. At 4pm on Sunday the next battle of this blood feud will play out on the biggest stage of them all – the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Since Australia’s shock loss to Ireland in the pool stages last month, the possibility of a quarter-final showdown between South Africa and Australia has loomed large, but now the reality is finally upon us.

Gleeful Springboks fans took to social networking sites in droves when the Wallabies lost to heap scorn on their hurting Aussie counterparts – they may yet be made to eat their posts.

There are thousands of Australians who were born in South Africa who have pledged allegiance to the Springboks. But there are plenty who come down on the side of their adopted country.

David Cohen already had his flights to Wellington booked with his friends before Australia lost to Ireland.

“The Aussies and a lot of adults give me abuse because I’m a Springboks supporter but I’ll never switch over,” 23-year-old Cohen said.

Cohen moved to Australia in 1997 when he was only nine years old but he’ll always be a Springboks supporter.

“There are two reasons I go for South Africa.

“I grew up with the 1995 South African rugby team because a lot of them worked for my dad and they are just better than the Wallabies.

“In every other sport I go for Australia but in rugby I’ll always be a Springbok.

“I won’t be happy at all if Australia win,” he said.

But Martin Chimes has mixed feelings. “I moved to Australia in 1981 but I lived here for 15 years before I switched teams,” the 59-year-old said.

According to Chimes, after you move to a new country you have to accept every part of it, including their sporting teams. But whatever the outcome, he was looking forward to the match on Sunday.

“At least I won’t be upset if Australia lose,” he said.
“It took me a long time, and there is a part of me that wants South Africa to win, but I made a conscious decision switch. “I don’t remember what motivated me, but when it comes to the traditional rivalry, between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, I don’t mind who wins as long as we always beat New Zealand.”

For diehard Wallabies fan and Australian native Richard Eisenstein, it is a cut and dried affair.

“Winning the Ashes is nice but I don’t have many friends from England,” Eisenstein said.

“Beating South Africa means that instead of listening to how great the Springboks are I have bragging rights for the next four years.”

The quarter-final between Australia and South Africa will be telecast live from Wellington on Fox Sports and Channel 9 at 4pm on Sunday.

JOSHUA LEVI