Cape Town - Former Springbok wing Tonderai Chavhanga says fans of the team should stop blaming “quotas” when they lose.



South African rugby is on a high following the Springboks' 36-34 win over the All Blacks in New Zealand over the weekend, but Chavhanga said in an interview with the Rugby Pass website that the “quota issue” should not be brought up in future.

“The quota thing is getting old. I think the black players that are playing have earned their right to be in the squad. It’s just disappointing to see some people who are not recognising that,” Chavhanga, who played four Tests for the Springboks between 2005 and 2008, said.



The 34-year-old, who is famous for scoring a record six tries on debut against Uruguay in East London when the Boks won 134-3, added that he felt the players of colour deserved their spots in the team.

“Players are given an opportunity but it must not be a case of them being handed it, they must earn it. The players that are there, they have earned their right," Chavhanga said.



Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus copped criticism before last weekend’s Test in New Zealand when trade union Cosatu said he was favouring white players.



Erasmus picked eight players of colour in his match-day squad for the Test which translated to 35%, below the 50% mandate he has for next year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan.

READ the Tonderai Chavhanga's full interview on the Rugby Pass website