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A fine was imposed on the Wallaroos during the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup match where the Aussie girls dared to cross the 10 metre line toward the New Zealand girls whilst they were performing the Haka. What a load of rot!
What were they meant to do, stand rigidly at attention and not move? If they had backed away and perhaps cowered, would this have been acceptable?
OK, I’m no historian and will be the first to admit that I don’t have a deep understanding with regard to the history of the Haka, although I have it on good authority that it is a ‘challenge’ issued to the opponents of Maori warriors before a battle.
It is actually termed a dance (war dance) although I suspect that this is in name only and has little or no bearing to what we would generally consider a dance. Certainly it hasn’t been on the list at any of the B&S I’ve attended!
Now, when I see women doing the Haka and schoolboys doing the Haka, I think we are heading beyond the realms of acceptable into the area of ridiculous and as a result, its use should be restricted or at the very least, governed.
That’s not to say women can’t do a Haka, although my understanding is it’s more ceremonial for them rather than a challenge. Therefore, I question its use by female sporting teams.
The IRB have taken a stand on the issue. Stand and respect or suffer the consequences. Well, probably shouldn’t expect much else from that mob but perhaps the NZ government should look at somehow regulating its use.
I also know there are several variations of the Haka. Recently, there has been the controversial variant which ends with a display of the throat being cut. Well, I would say very effective against an opponent with whom you are about to do battle, but highly inappropriate in a rugby setting.
And isn’t this a Maori challenge? Seems to me every Tom, Dick and Richie are jumping on the Maori bandwagon.
I have a tape at home which from memory is a history of Rugby. I remember seeing a very early clip (certainly the shorts were near the knees) of the Haka and laughing very hard as one of the All Black players attempted to get into the rhythm of the event with about as much style and panache as Rocky has with referees!
Before I witness the Bay of Plenty under 8’s doing it on their end of season tour ‘Down Under’ against the Humpty Doo under 8’s from Darwin, let’s restrict its use (in rugby at any rate) to the All Blacks home games only.
Then it may again be something to look forward to.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.