Is it time to blow full time on the All Black haka?

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Is it time to blow full time on the All Black haka?

A new book has revealed All Blacks felt haka-ed out, and also ignites debate over the pre-match challenge’s future.

A new book from respected British journalist Peter Bills – The Jersey – is set to reignite discussion over the role the haka plays for the All Blacks. In this abridged extract from The Haka: An Expression of Identity chapter, ex-All Blacks Sir Colin Meads and Kees Meeuws reveal their own frustrations about the heavy use of the haka. And the team’s mental skills coach, Gilbert Enoka, has revealed the All Blacks had previously felt “haka‑ed out” and some “hated” having to constantly perform the Ka Mate version.

The Ka Mate haka is almost 140 years old, first composed by Te Rauparaha, Ngāti Toa Rangatira. The other haka are even older than Ka Mate, but it’s doubtful it has ever been so widely talked about or debated recently.

I wrote an article/ interview on the very subject when I was on- air at the Fan590am Sports Station Toronto questioning the use of the new Haka by the All Blacks and the explosion of many teams out of New Zealand doing the Haka at the drop of a hat.

I felt it became just too much!

I don’t mind the All Blacks preforming the Haka, but I feel players and fans alike would like to see the old Haka back where at the end the player’s jump up with hands in the air?

Get away from this cutting the throat on knees stuff etc.

When I covered the RWC in Auckland 2011 I had a chance to speak to players, media and fans on the subject?

They agreed with me on going back to the old Haka as they felt it was better, more entertaining and shorter. Aussies I spoke to said, “Get rid of the Haka totally! But that’s expected from that bunch who would have to play with their didgeridoo’s and do a walk about – the game would never kick off!

Former All Blacks first five‑ eighth from Canterbury Andrew Mehrtens has called it “too commercialized and some players are just tired of it! (I have to agree!)

English media thought it was great for when the All Blacks are touring and getting the fans involved.  I have noticed many fans don’t respect the haka anymore. I remember the day when rugby fans kept quiet,  but no more these days even from teams getting into the act.

The England team edged forward at Old Trafford during the haka. and  Leicester’s Cockerill decides to take it further until he’s fronting up to All Black Norm Hewitt. “What the **** have you done?” is Captains Martin Johnson’s reaction as he pulls Cockerill away. The response a 25-8 win for the All Blacks. (Cockerill was not a bright boy on that day!)

British and Irish Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll showed nerves of steel picking up a blade of grass, throwing it in the air – symbolizing the picking up of the traditional Maori white feather. The All Blacks viewed it as a lack of disrespect and within a minute of the Test match O’Driscoll’s tour was over following a shocking spear tackle by All Black captain Tana Umaga.(End of tour for Brian!)

Grand Slam champions Wales in 2008 were looking to beat New Zealand for the first time since 1953. Their masterplan included a two-minute stand-off following a spine-tingling haka. Both teams then stood motionless as the referee tried in vain to get both teams to start the game. It was dramatic stuff but Wales failed to back up their hard stance and lost 29-9.

I know first hand do not annoy an All Black… Few years back I was having a beverage with the great “Frank Oliver” and a few rugby referee chaps in Christchurch – Frank was a huge big All Black lock forward and hands as wide as a car! A very nice chap!

I think Referee Chris Checkers dared me that I couldn’t put the late great Frank down? (I felt I could)

With that I quietly knelt down on all fours behind Frank and Chris bumped Frank down over me. A lot laughter, but I noticed Frank was not smiling when he got up!

With that he chased me with his size 30 inch fist all over the bar! “ That day I learnt a lesson –  if ya dumb you have to suffer”

But my friends at the RWC 2011 –  tongue in cheek – suggested shouldn’t the opposition get to perform their own dance after the haka?. That caused a lot of laughter and we discussed their suggestions over a few pints like good free loading media.

We felt the England team could do the “Morris dance around a pole for at least 4 minutes?

Welsh could do a bit of Tom Jones and split their shorts that would scare the All Blacks!

Maybe the Irish could do an Irish Pie eating contest prior to kick off washed down with a pint of Guinness that would certainly sort out the All Black scrum later on?

South Africa tried a Zulu dance in the past, but really failed!

I don’t know what Argentina could do?

Oh well it certainly makes me ponder with the Championship Tests between the All Blacks, Australia, Argentina and South Africa kicking off this weekend it will give one food for thought!

But I know one thing “ Don’t Piss the All Blacks off  – I know!

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