The Western Cape branch of Cosatu on Saturday added fuel to the flames of defeat to the Springboks calling for coach Heyneke Meyer to be fired.

A statement issued accuses the Springboks of being “a white team”.

“The ‘old’ injured white men were just useless and gave Japan the space to play a great game. In the first half Heyneke had all white players except the back three and they were completely outplayed by Japan. Then, in the second half Heyneke brought on black players to hide behind,” the statement said.

Cosatu offered advice suggesting players from the Super 15 join the World Cup team.

“There were great black and white players in Super 15 who are not the rugby mafia favourites. This is a low point for SA Rugby, first we lose to Argentina then to Japan. If this was Pieter De Villiers he would have been crucified as being an affirmative action appointee.”

The union added: “These white old players are ‘quota players’ as positions are set aside for them. This should tell our minister that he is bringing us no joy in rugby, and should review his position with Oregon Hoskins and the other apologists for Saru.”

The statement concluded: “We hope that this shuts up – once and for all – those white supremacists who think a white team is better than a mixed team of all South Africans. Viva WP (Western Province) style mixed teams.”

The Springboks were defeated 34-32 at the hands of underdogs Japan in Brighton during their World Cup opener on Saturday. News24