New Zealand call for All Blacks to axe haka after shock World Cup exit
The haka has been a trademark of the All Blacks for more than a century, but one Kiwi journo thinks its time to axe the pre-match ritual.
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New Zealand Herald sports writer Chris Rattue has made a sensational call for the All Blacks to drop the haka after England was fined for its response in the World Cup semi-final.
In a piece that is sure to rattle the cage of many Kiwis, Rattue argued that rather than giving the All Blacks a mental edge it was actually hurting them, saying it stole their “initial focus and proper concentration of energy”.
The ceremonial dance, which originated from Maori culture, has been a trademark of New Zealand rugby since the All Blacks introduced the ritual in 1905. But Rattue indicated the modern game had moved past it.
“I would argue that in this age of highly professional analysis and preparation, the haka is a ridiculous way to prepare when emotions can be easily overcharged anyway,” Rattue wrote.
“The All Blacks go on to the field to win Test matches, not conduct de facto advertising campaigns or make cultural statements,” he added.
England evidently weren’t fazed by the haka during their must-win semi-final on the weekend, scoring 96 seconds after kick-off.
They went on complete a shock upset, defeating New Zealand 19-7 and knocking the defending champions out of the World Cup.
“The haka is not a professional way to prepare in the modern sports environment. Every moment counts in the big games, and the opening moves – as we saw in Yokohama – can be pivotal,” Rattue wrote.
“The starts are absolutely critical. It is time to consider letting the haka go or placing it somewhere else, in the name of winning.”
The All Blacks had previously not lost a World Cup match since 2007, when they were defeated by France 20-18 in the quarter-final. During that haka, France infamously advanced towards their opponents, finishing inches apart from the All Blacks.
The Lions were controversially fined by World Rugby after lining up in a V-formation during Saturday’s haka. Captain Owen Farrell was spotted smirking during the All Blacks pre-match ritual.
Scrumhalf Aaron Smith was adament England’s unconventional reaction to the haka had no impact on New Zealand’s performance.
“The All Blacks have been doing it for 110 years. It’s about us; I didn’t really notice them,” Smith said.
“I was looking at the guy straight opposite me and that was Owen Farrell. He was giving me a few winks so I was trying to scare him as much as I could.”
England will face South Africa in the World Cup Final at Yokohama on Saturday evening.
Originally published as New Zealand call for All Blacks to axe haka after shock World Cup exit
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