I have been reading rugby articles, blogs and Roarer comments on here for a while now, and have noticed a general dislike of our South African neighbours.
Yes, it’s an Australian site, so naturally there is a home bias and perennial optimism about Australia’s chances (realistic or otherwise) of winning the next Bledisloe, Tri-Nations, World Cup etc.
However, the exchanges between “us” (Australia) and the Kiwi mob seem to be less hostile than those between us and the Bokkies, and even between the Kiwis and Boks.
So why does everyone dislike South Africa?
I’d like to put it out there that South Africa simply don’t have the same ethos about rugby shared by Australia and New Zealand. The Bledisloe is what rugby is all about: hard as nails on the field, mutually respectful off the field.
For me, there is nothing better in world rugby than a Test match between Australia and New Zealand. The rivalry is intense, but aside from Woodcock’s dodgy hit on Faingaa in the Melbourne Test, I can’t think of another incident that could even be questioned as foul play between these two teams.
So inevitably, after the game, we just sit back with a cold beer and lament on how we “almost” won that one, and look forward to the next contest where we remain eternally optimistic that things will go our way. And win or lose, we can always have a go at the Kiwis – just because they are Kiwis.
Now, South Africa have certainly got the hard as nails part right. There can be no question about that (although I’d argue the late tackles, eye-gouging and shoulder-charging that appear to be more frequent in games involving South Africa are beyond the scope of what being “hard as nails” is all about).
That aside, on the notion of mutual respect, I can only draw blanks for a nation that “boo’s” or sings “ole, ole, ole, oleey” during the Haka.
It makes me sick every time I watch the kiwis play the Boks in South Africa and the latter fans show absolutely no respect for what is the greatest tradition in world rugby, and possibly the greatest tradition in any sport.
Boo-ing and chanting during the Haka is disrespectful, unsportsmanlike and just plain disgraceful.
Admittedly, I haven’t been to a Bledisloe match for many years as I now live abroad, but I’d be very surprised if you can find a bunch of Aussies carrying on like this. Sure there will always be a few drunk wankers at every game, but I’d assert it’s a very small minority and certainly not a majority so loud it drowns out the Haka on international TV.
And that, I contend, is the difference between South African and New Zealand-Australian rugby. It’s all about R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
BEV
Guest
I haven't heard Australian's boo the Haka but I did recently hear New Zealanders boo our National Anthem. Is this coming from the same people who are living and working in our country????!!!!! It is called the Australian Rugby League isn't it????? You know the one that they get the chance to play in!!!!
Jackson
Guest
'Ole ole ole' is inane and pathetic... until last month, most biltong-eating rugby fans in Sth Africa hated the round ball game! As for the booing in QLD, too much influence of League's State of Origin I say... Agreed though, that is disgraceful
Jackson
Guest
I think Maoris can decided whether they've 'reclaimed' it or not, or indeed whether they need to reclaim it or not. What 'increased cultural division amongst NZers' are you talking about?? I'm assuming your Aussie, like me (Im a republican too)...so, hang on a minute, at least we don't see the white majority in NZ (or at least the white government) instructing Maoris how they can spend their cash unlike here, with the so-called "Intervention"... Maybe the Haka is considered sacrosanct in NZ because of they fact that it can be used by anyone, pakeha or maori or islander? Until we throw off the shackles of colonialism and become a republic, it's gonna be very hard for us to have any shared cultural symbols like the Haka. Somehow, NZ have managed to do it, despite remaining a (too) loyal servant in Her Majesty's 'empire'...
Jackson
Guest
Genl, what are yoy talking about?? What Richard Loe did to Paul Carozza was sick. If someone did that today, hopefully they'd be banned for life. That sort of dirty play is what (usually) seperated union from League - although League has cleaned up these days, no more stiff-arm close lines... As for Buck Shelford, that's not brave, just stupid.
Republican
Guest
The Haka is a commercially dumbed down piece of theatre. The sanctimony that some Kiwis indulge in over a supposed lack of respect towards it by opposition, is hypocritical to say the least, given the increasing cultural division amongst NZers in this respect anyway. The Haka does afford NZ sporting sides some psychological and jingoistic edge however, if it is to be put out there in the market place as a promotional tool for brand NZ, it is more than fair game. Sacrosanct it most certainly is not - unless the Maori seriously set about reclaiming it to this end.
genl
Guest
anyone who thinks that Richard Loe is a disgrace mustn't live in NZ and must also have humungus nuts..try saying that to his face buddy or are you just full of hot air...at this very time..Richard Loe does alot of radio and promotion for his community and also alot of good for the NZ farming industry so please don't rubbish someone who helps others...the old saying..what happened is all hisotry..it's a tough mans game..if you can't handle it..don't play it..leave it to the real men to play..ie: Buck shelford having his scrotum ripped open by the french and carried on playing till he was told to come off..gotta be more painful than a bleeding friken nose..now how tough is that huh...
genl
Guest
i would rather watch the haka then listen to a lot of aussies singing waltzing matilda..now that's embarrassing..can someone please tell us the origin and meaning of this song..we all know what the haka represents so what does the words of waltzing matilda represent..please tell or shut up..
mampara
Guest
Maybe if you ozzys showed a little less respect you would not be on a 9 game or whatever it is up to loosing streak. In SA we respect both Australia and NZ as great opponents. But for those 80 minutes, Haka included, respect goes out the window, its on, Allblacks, who cares. Maybe if you lot adopted the same attitude you might win once in a while. The crowd never booed the Haka, they responded with Ole, Ole, which many of you have sought to belittle. Booing is what happened when the Springboks ran out at Brisbane, that was a reflection of class if ever I saw one.
hakaBACKWARDS
Guest
If the haka is supposed to be a pre-battle, intimidation technique then who can blame the saffers for not respecting it...if someone came up to me and tried to intimidate and threaten me, I would show them no respect either. The way I see it the haka is the disrespectful aspect, not the other way round.
bayboy
Guest
Some of the inane comments in here have me stumped. Is there any reason to attack someone trying to widen your understanding of their culture. After all this is an article about the Haka, Some of the intolerant remarks have me stumped. If this is the kind of immature debate that is going to take place maybe it's best such articles aren't published.
I am 5am
Guest
Ha ha, true, Quade Cooper could do the haka by himself but go and stand to the side with the Pacific Island Australians while the rest sung their European anthem. While that happens we could all try and work out what Pocock could sing... think he is Zimbabwean.
Winston
Guest
Rubbish, Yeah I guess all the Maori's shouldn't be singing the national anthem cause its a "European" song. Its called racial harmony. Next time try thinking before you make a comment.
Winston
Guest
On another note, i was speaking to a Australian young lady the other day who said that the Haka was pretty much the most masculine thing she has ever seen.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
You chose your username well.
I am 5am
Guest
But it is OK for non-Maori Pacific Islanders to do it though chump? Only 5-7 current AB's would be eligible to do it if Maori decadency was a requirement. Apart from that just looking stupid, I guess we all like it. That's how.
Dan
Guest
I actually tend to agree with that Photon. The Wallabies and Aussies in general are too respectful and awe struck by the ABs and it just doesn't get you anywhere. They need to harden up and start bringing more sting into these matches... If they could just pretend it was NSW v Qld it'd be a start.
Rubbish
Guest
Boo! Do not understand how Anglo-Saxon descended people can participate in the Haka ceremonial dance. I think it is the biggest inside New Zealand joke being played on the world doing that jig.
mudskipper
Guest
Booing the Haka is base... or simply Yarpie for dim... a talent known in the republic
g-rad
Guest
This is the sort of thread that makes me hate the internet.
el gamba
Guest
Facts always get in the way of my observations