France Fined for Advancing on Final Haka

[Darren]

France have been hit with a $20,000 (NZD) fine by the IRB for advancing on the All Blacks during the haka before the Rugby World Cup final.

According to reports France have been slapped with the fine for breaking IRB rules which state teams must keep to a prescribed distance while the haka is being performed.

France coach Marc Lievermont, who retired after the loss, said captain Thierry Dusautoir tried to stop his team advancing past the halfway line as the haka was being performed.

“He tried to stop them, there was a bit of movement bringing them forward.” Lievermont said.
But All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw said that he was not surprised by the France’s action saying the All Blacks had thought France would bring something different during the haka.

[sandgroperrugby]

IRB are just demonstrating what dicks they are!

All tournament they have been heavy handed against the teams and players but seem not fussed by what they should have been concerned about equal application of the rules and referee management!

WOW the French advanced and what did that gain them. This kind of confrontation brings viewers to the game you knob heads.

[The InnFORCEr]

One of the most exciting hakas of the cup (beside some of the two nation clashes like Fiji v Samoa etc), the frogs had to try something different, but to fine them is crazy, the loss is enough of a lesson about respecting the haka.

[Darren]

Coming as close as they did - I reckon it paid off for them!

[eleypinkbit]

I don't agree with it but all the teams know the rules set by the IRB so they deserve the fine. As soon as they advanced I said they'd lose. Seems to be bad mojo for teams to advance on a haka.
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[jono]

What a load of shit. I'd refuse to pay
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[Cowboy]

Pay the fine, it was worth it.
I hate the haka.

[jono]

The haka is a joke now
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[beige]

I remember saying at the time that I was pretty sure they weren't allowed to do that - not that I necessarily agree with the rule either.

I don't hate the haka - it's one of the things that actually get rugby noticed outside of the hardcore fanbase.

[Alex]

Awesome to see someone actually taking on the haka. Why do the allblacks get special treatment, and why should the opposing team be forced to sit there and watch while the allblacks gain a psychological advantage.

I think it pumped both teams up and was one of the reasons it was such a tight game.

I like watching the haka, but I think the AB's and the IRB are too precious about it.

[Bails]

Totally agree with you Alex! I have always wondered why they are 'allowed' to get away with it!!

I was only disappointed that England didn't do some Morris Dancing before their games? - that would have put the willies up a few of their opponents!

[jono]

I think that it's been made into a bigger deal than it is over the last few years.
I almost want to agree with PDV In that it's used too much
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[beige]

I like watching the haka, but I think the AB's and the IRB are too precious about it.

Actually the NZRU has defended France: http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8364985

[Happy]

just the IRB showing how far out of touch (pun intended) they are

[Alex]

Actually the NZRU has defended France: http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8364985

True, but if France had won no doubt there would be a huge uproar in NZ.

Again I love it, but its taken too seriously, especially with the new kapa o panga used for teams believed not to respect the allblacks.