The president of the South African Rugby Union says a match between New Zealand Maori and South Africa could hinder progress towards the country's goal of being a non-racial society.
The New Zealand Rugby Union had made inquiries for a Maori team to play the Springboks, possibly in Soweto, ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour there later this year.
However, the proposed match may not take place due to a racial ruling.
South Africa Rugby says there are several obstacles to overcome with the main stumbling block being the President's Council resolution forbidding the appearance of SARU teams against opponents selected along racial lines.
A decision on whether to change the race rules is expected in March.
South African Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins told Morning Report concerns remain over what message is sent out when a racially exclusive team plays in South Africa.
"If it means that South Africa may then start thinking about sending out a national black team or a national white team, then its not helping South Africa's cause towards one team to be a non-racial team, and a non-racial society," he said.
Mr Hoskins said many South Africans rugby fans respect the New Zealand Maori team and would relish a chance to watch them play.
Soweto Rugby Club chair Dali Ndebele says the match should go ahead and he can guarantee the game would have a lot of support from both white and black South Africans.
Mr Ndebele says seeing the New Zealand Maori side play would be inspirational for young rugby players in Soweto.
NZRU general manager of professional rugby, Neil Sorensen, says the President's Council resolution had not come up in discussions between the union and South Africa Rugby.
New Zealand Maori last toured South Africa in 1994, playing four matches against Vaal Triangle, Free State, Griqualand West and Eastern Province.
