Rugby World Cup: new smartphone app let’s fans join New Zealand’s famed haka

IT’S the most feared challenge in sport and thanks to a new smartphone app, fans can now be part of New Zealand’s haka at the Rugby World Cup.

TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY CHRIS FOLEY (FILES) In a file picture taken on October 16, 2011 New Zealand's players including captain Richie McCaw (C), center Ma'a Nonu (R) and hooker Keven Mealamu (2L), perform the haka before the 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-final match Australia vs New Zealand at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland. New Zealand's pre-match haka may be one of sports most famous rituals and often claimed to intimidate opposing sides, but now its benefits to the All Blacks are being questioned. AFP PHOTO / PHIL WALTER / POOL

DAVID Campese showed such disinterest in the haka before the 1991 World Cup semi-final in Dublin he decided to kick a ball about near his tryline while teammates faced the All Blacks.

The enigmatic Wallaby is unlikely to be the target market for an innovative new smartphone app.

Created by All Blacks sponsor AIG, the new technology aims to give fans the feeling of being in the midst of the famed warrior challenge.

All Blacks players Wyatt Crockett and Kieran Read try the Haka 360 Experience.

The Haka 360 Experience, available through www.aig.com/haka360 or the App Store, may be a cheaper way for Kiwis to feel connected to their team with the best replica All Blacks World Cup jersey selling for more than $NZ200.

“Campo” is speaking wise words when he hopes that tries and innovation trump defence and scrum penalties as the early mark of this World Cup.

WATCH ON FOX

FOX Sports 502 launched as the dedicated 24/7 World Cup channel on which all 48 matches will be screened live.

Analysis and feature Cup games of the past will also feature alongside a raft of World Cup shows such as Rooftop Rugby, Rugby HQ, Cup Runneth Over and Rugby Legends.

HANSON A WORLD AWAY FROM RECALL

James Hanson returns to Sydney.

STAND-BY hooker James Hanson has returned to a Sydney base so he’ll be a day away if the Wallabies have any emergency issues at hooker during the tournament.

Prop Scott Sio, nominated as the squad’s No. 3 hooker, didn’t fill anyone with confidence when his one Test lineout throw in Chicago was poached by the Americans.

BREAKFAST BLOCKBUSTER

THE titanic Australia-England pool match at Twickenham goes off at 6am on October 4 so Brisbane’s best breakfast vantage points for that World Cup date should be emailed to [e-mail].

Originally published as Rugby World Cup: new smartphone app let’s fans join New Zealand’s famed haka