Blacks warming to Boks

New research shows that nearly 70% of black South African adults now support the Springboks.

This is impressive when you consider that virtually no blacks backed the Boks in 1992, when South Africa was readmitted to world rugby. While the myth is perpetuated that all black South Africans were behind the Boks in 1995, a more realistic figure would be 20% with the rest cheering on the All Blacks or not caring about rugby at all.

According to recent research by BMI-Sports Info, 94% of white adults support the Boks, with 3% (including Cheeky Watson) backing the All Blacks. Seventeen percent of adult blacks support New Zealand and 6% Australia.

BMI’s research also shows that while 62% of all black high school children support the Boks, 27% prefer the All Blacks. Amongst only black boys, the support for the men in green and gold dips to 60%, while the support for the All Blacks is 31%.

Of all white high school children, 92% are Bok supporters, while 5% shout for New Zealand. Amongst boys alone, 9% support the All Blacks.

An analysis of the younger adults between the ages of 18 and 24 shows that 9% of whites support New Zealand while 20% of young black adults do the same.

Posted by Simon www.keo.co.za