Holy haka batman

[KenyaQuin]

Exile..I fail to see the distinction..

Also, I fail to see how it was relevant in the past but now has become a wank. Looking at older vision, you could argue it was a wank back when..

[Darren]

older vision is pretty damned funny to watch!

[tragic]

The haka is a challenge that demands response. To be told that the opposition must stand there like stunned mullets and take what's coming is insulting to both sides.

[Burgs]

Hence, if it has come to that, it is a wank...

[tragic]

The IRB can't stop the crowd singing in response

[AndyS]

... but as all the wallabies who have faced it say, it pumps them up just as much to accept the challenge.

For mine, that is the best response. I called the result of that 2003 semi during the haka, simply from the expressions on the Wallabies faces. They took far more out of it that the ABs.

[robyn <3]

I have always considered the The traditional Haka (Ka Mate) as a challenge that should be "respectfully" responded too.

I recall The_InnFORCEr writing an article here in TWF about a source suggesting that the Wallabies accepting that challenge.

The newer Haka Kapango(sp) (ending with the throat slitting jesture) was apparently choreographed specifically for the All Blacks. I fail to see how this is considered a tradition and it should not be allowed to be performed prior to any Test Match.

In turn, they also say that they don't perform the throat slitting one for the Wallabies - they've got too much respect for Australia (the uses of Kiwi commentary )

Kudos to the Welsh - their response was the best by far!

[GIGS20]

If i were the owner of a large company. I would be sponsering the Wallabies for whatever the IRB fines them to act freely on their half of the pitch during the haka.

It's only 1600 bucks, maybe the boys could pass the hat in the changerooms.

I reckon the Old Boys Rugby Choir should simply warm up their drinking arms on the halfway line, they'll have sung the anthem by then!

[Burgs]

Gits would be saving that in haircuts and AAC in razors these days wouldn't they?

[GIGS20]

Gits would be saving that in haircuts and AAC in razors these days wouldn't they?

Drew in Ladies Lingerie and JOC in shorts (actually all the backline apparently like to dance in their skins shorts)

forwards.............well I'm pretty empty there.

[.X.]

Exile..I fail to see the distinction..

Also, I fail to see how it was relevant in the past but now has become a wank. Looking at older vision, you could argue it was a wank back when..

KQ

I believe - and please feel free (or anyone else for that matter) to correct me if I am wrong, that Ka Mate is a traditional Mauldi (sp?) Challenge. This Haka has been a part of NZ vs the rest of the world test matches for over 100 years. I have nothing but respect for it and look forward to is as part of the build up to each and every Bledisloe I have watched, whether live or on TV.

KaPango - The other one - the one with the throat slitting gesture. What ever you wish to call it. I don't see how it has any tradition if it has been "choreographed" specifically for the All Blacks. It has only been around for 10 years.

[Burgs]

Correct Ex, it was originally "borrowed" and there was a bit of a stink a little while back when the people who it was from didn't want it used. One of that family actually work at the mine and she was telling me about it. She's from around Wellington (and related to Joelin Rapana) so assume that the rough area that Ka Mate originates from too.

[Piet Van Ziel]

All 22 wallabies should stand proud and immitate a wanking motion whilst the allblacks puff and stick their tongues out

[BeeJay]

Basically the Haka is a brand. And as such it will be protected by the IRB. So long as it is a financial drawcard, it will be protected. That's the reality.

I seem to remember a toothless England front rower (was it Cockerill?) advancing on the Haka while sniggering about 10 years ago. As I recall the English were smashed that night.