The meaning and power behind Polynesian war dances

THE power and pride of nations will crest about five minutes before kick-off in Saturday’s Pacific Tests when the war dances begin.

Tonga and Samoa are known for their war dances.

ABOUT five minutes before kick off in the Pacific Tests, the very foundations of Pirtek Stadium will begin to shake.

The men from Samoa and Tonga will issue their opposition a challenge and perform their war dance.

Samoa’s Siva Tau and Tonga’s Sipi Tau (and woe to you if you get them mixed up) are almost as anticipated as the match themselves.

They’ll bellow the ancient words of their people and warn the opposition that their strength is at its peak.

“It means you’ll fight for your country and you’ll die for your country,” says Tongan skipper Sika Manu.

The Tongans perform the Sipi Tau. Picture: Adam Head

The official title of the Tongan national side is Mate Ma’a Tonga, which translates to “I would die for Tonga” and when the men in red gather around Parramatta forward Peni Terepo to begin the Sipi Tau, you’ll believe that they would.

For Manu, accepting the challenge of Samoa’s Siva Tau is just as spine-tingling as his own war dance.

“To me it’s sort of like them accepting the challenge and we are going to war, that’s how it feels to me anyhow,” he said.

“It’s an awesome feeling standing there watching them do it.”

It’s not quite the same for Samoan halfback Pita Godinet, who admits he tries to hide up the back.

Samoa issue a challenge to their opponents with the Siva Tau.

“It’s scary man! That’s part of it though. Part of the haka is battling upfront, manning up and standing tall for one another and whoever comes out last man standing.”

And the words over the Sivi Tau, what do they mean?

MORE: Pacific nations playing for more than money

FARCE: How Australia rips off smaller nations

“It just means warrior. It means I’m a warrior. My brothers are with me.”

Most might think that the Samoans will be led in their Siva Tau by skipper Frank Pritchard but the veteran backrower was happy to see young Tigers forward Sauaso Sue step forward to claim the role.

“It’s an honour, but you don’t get too many boys wanting to lead,” said Pritchard.

“It’s just telling you who we are and where we come from, we’re representing Samoa, our nation and out family.

“That’s what it’s about man, every war cry is different but come Saturday it’s going to be spine tingling. It always is.

“You ask some people, some of them want to rock up and see it and go. I’m honoured and privileged to get to turn out for my country and do that.”

There won’t be any dances performed before the Fiji-Papua New Guinea clash – the Kumuls will belt out their anthem “O Arise, All You Sons” with extreme vigour though.

The Fiji Bati used to perform their own war dance, the Cibi, but changed direction after the 2008 World Cup and now sing a prayer entitled “I Jiova” before each match.

Religion has a key role in Fijian culture.

For Fijian veteran Kevin Naiqama the prayer reveals the close relationship between the Bati and God, with religion playing a key role in the team and in wider Fijian culture.

“We’re just praying to our God asking him for help as we’re going into battle, asking for guidance and protection,” Naiqama said.

“It’s massive in the Fijian culture, which is how we grew up. The foundation of God, every morning it’s the first thing we do, 7am, it’s in our itinerary.

“We put 15 minutes aside there where we do devotion and at 5:30 we do it again. It’s not something that’s just come in, its always been there and it’s still going now.”