[watch] Springboks coach honoured at Loftus
He’s in your head! Springboks fans belted out the ‘Rassie remix’ at Loftus during the nail-biting Stormers vs Bull game…
Not for the first time, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus was honoured at the Loftus for his contribution to rugby. And fans belted out their infamous remix – The Cranberries’ Zombie – in doing so.
The Irish song – which became a Rugby World Cup favourite – was played during the URC’s Bulls vs Stormers game on Saturday, 2 March.
The “North-South Derby” was won by the Pretoria home team – Bulls – 40-22.
Meanwhile, SA is set to play against Ireland in two test matches on 6 and 13 July in Pretoria and Durban, respectively.
RASSIE REMIX BLARES THROUGH LOFTUS SPEAKER
In a clip posted on SuperSport TV’s social media account, Loftus Versveld Stadium revellers sang along to The Cranberries’ 1994 hit song Zombie.
However, the crowd changed the chorus lyrics to “He’s in your head, He’s in your head. Rassie, Rassie, Rassie”.
The “remix” – honouring the SA Rugby boss, who has signed on to coach the Springboks until 2027 – was played during the Rugby World Cup when South Africa played against Ireland. The Springboks also sang it in their changing room following their World Cup victory.
@supersportofficial The vibes at the North-South Derby 🔊🔊 #stormers #bullsrugby #tiktoksouthafrica #unitedrugbychampionship #rugbytok #rassie ♬ original sound – SuperSportTV
The song was again played at the Sharks vs Bulls clash in December, which also took place at Loftus.🗣️ “Who’s in your head, in your head?”
🗣️ “Rassie! Rassie! Rassie!”
The fans at Loftus were belting out the latest Springbok anthem during the Vodacom Bulls win against the Hollywoodbets Sharks yesterday. pic.twitter.com/UzYn2qr5mY
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) December 3, 2023
Fans also sang the song at OR Tambo International while awaiting their hero’s return.
Fans waiting for the Springboks to arrive back at OR Tambo international airport sing the Cranberries song “Zombie” with modified lyrics to say “What’s in your head? “Rassie”.@TheCitizen_News #Springboks pic.twitter.com/Gow79oD12v
— Neil McCartney (@NeilMcCartney) October 31, 2023
SA POKES FUN AT IRELAND
While many South Africans are amused at Rassie’s remix, Irish rugby supporters have previously claimed the song choice is “disrespectful,” given their country’s history.
One Irish fan – @leinster_horseplay – posted on TikTok: “So disrespectful. Zombie is about two kids who were killed during a bombing. Don’t make it about Rassie. It’s more than a song to us.”
Saffas, however, have remained unfazed.
Another TikToker – @nicolaasjonker – posted: “Ireland, see you at Loftus in July. The atmosphere in green and golf