France advance on the All Blacks’ haka (EPA/Kim Ludbrook)
The IRB has once again shot itself in the foot with a stupid decision, slapping France with a $15,000 fine for advancing on the haka during the Rugby World Cup final.
The IRB has form with lamentable decisions at this World Cup, and this was is no different.
The France-New Zealand was a pulsating affair, a tense final that was climatic and enjoyable. But no-one was expecting it before the game.
Considering the form of both teams heading into the final – France had lost to Tonga for god’s sake – most were predicting an easy win for the All Blacks.
But France didn’t roll over and almost stole the cup. And the moment that signalled their intention that they were here to play and not surrender meekly came before kick-off.
It came as the All Blacks did their signature war dance, where the French linked arms and moved into a V formation. The French showed that they were not going to lie down by that gesture, and that they were not over-awed or intimidated. Good on them.
Some of the players may have just over-stepped the halfway line, but so what? The French weren’t that close to the All Blacks. There was still 10 metres between them. They weren’t within touching distance, and they showed respect to the Kiwis by genuinely accepting the challenge.
I think the haka is great. It adds to the spectacle of any game the All Blacks are involved in, and is a wonderful part of world rugby. But in many ways it gives the All Blacks a leg-up before every match. They pump themselves up with a part of Maori culture, while the other team stands there placidly.
Is that fair? I’m not advocating that the haka should be axed, or for opposing teams to put their backs to the All Blacks as they carry it out as some teams have done in the past.
The Welsh made the All Blacks do their haka in the dressing rooms in a Cardiff Test a few years back and were duly thrashed.
But the opposition should be allowed to have a reasonable response to the haka, something that squares the ledger somewhat and unifies them as a team. It has to be respectful and not over-the-top.
The French did this, so why IRB would the punish them? They made the final into a genuine World Cup classic, so the IRB should be thanking them not punishing them.
Give them a warning for heaven’s sake, but the fine is just another example that the IRB is a out-dated, ineffective and authoritarian organisation that is desperate need of reform.
Gaullois
Guest
48 meter penalty. Only this for the France, arbitror don't take risk because Parra was out. Calculated
Gaullois
Guest
Kuruki, Sorry but I'm not sure to understand you. I'm french so... For me no pb with your HAKA we respect this, war and challenge dance, but I think you must respect also us (French V). Whe you do a V and we walk to ABs we reply to the challenge as warrios that we are. The French are proud and men which not not afraid, even more those of the team of France almost all of the southwest of the France that come or rugby is a style of life, thinking and especially respect. Contrary to what believe many NZ person could not do more honour to the HAKA that are done the French. Think about this.
Gaullois
Guest
Too easy, punish french and not ABs !!!!
Mike
Guest
"But ask any player in world rugby what is one of there greatest moments and they will say facing the haka" Really, and you have asked how many? You really are feeding us a lot of jinogistic rubbish, Po!
Po
Guest
Thats the other teams fault, get a reply simple. like it has been said, you dont have to face it. But ask any player in world rugby what is one of there greatest moments and they will say facing the haka - why? because as a player you are facing the best, you have prepared all your life for this moment. The players have no complaint, they are warriors who play the game.
Po
Guest
We worship it, and let you do and say whatever you wish, others have their own feelings about it, and it looks like the odds are in our favour. your right, you will get beaten by the all blacks whether they do the haka or not. The all blacks have the greatest record in world sport as the most winning team. The haka has a bit to do with that, unfortunate you guys havent got anything that works for you.
Po
Guest
Apart from making france look stupid, and being fined by IRB, you will also be in breach of the code of conduct and not to mention the broadcasting rules. The haka is special because it is the haka, come up with something better, and do it - no worries, I like the samoan wardance aswell
Po
Guest
What are you complaining about an unfair advantage, you just said the aussies beat the abs twice this year, not much of an advantage is it.
Po
Guest
Correction - racially important to maori people native to nz. it has nothing to do with white kiwis, what are you talking about. Thats is why the nz anthem has had the maori version added, because it is important to the country. and does represent the nation. likewise the haka is representative of the nation. All teams have the right of reply, but that is the playing team, not the stadium, which has been the ruling for many years. Australia used to have a dude come out with a guitar to lead the home ground in a rendition of waltzing matilda, that was banned. sure the crowd can sing, all throughout the game, but of their own accord not orchestrated by the host nations tactical team. Blah blah blah, the haka is not going anywhere, stay within the guidelines and you will be fine, its a game with a governing body, the rules are the rules.
Dee Masson
Guest
The IRB needs to review its rules. France advancing on the AB's haka was not disrespectful but a challenge back to the AB's. We new we were in for a good game and it almost worked.
Paul
Guest
As said before it was a great moment and it lead to a close game , so why put cold water over both teams by fineing the French.................Go figure IRB
058
Guest
It turned out to be a great game. Who would have guessed. I liked France's spirit. The IRB need to relook at the rules.
Deidre Masson
Guest
The IRB is killing the spirit of the game with all its rule changes. As soon as we saw France advance on the AB's haka we new it was going to be an interesting game. No disrespect was intended. France was not going to let the AB's psych them out, and it worked. Great game.
Bruce Masson
Guest
I think it was stupid to fine france for advancing at the Haka. It was great to see 2 side so pasionate and what a spectale of battle.
Frenchy
Guest
Sacre bleu! If only that penalty had gone over....
AA
Guest
The ABs have their haka but the French have their National anthem. Have you listened to the lyrics? It's gruesome.
amband
Guest
what a pity they missed a penalty goal attempt
Mal D
Guest
Agree with Tristan. The French response set up one of the best finals yet. I still find it hard to believe the French played that well but just makes it a better AB victory
amband
Guest
the Fijians never push the Haka down our throats. The Haka is not the problem, it's those pushing it. You get it in pubs, in the crowd at the grounds, usually performed by idiots traditonal Maori would prefer to not be associated with As for not beating them, Oz beat them twice this year, unless I'm mistaken You make a valid point about an advantage in my opinion and you speak accurately about the IRB making the rule
Damien
Guest
Fair enough guys. Just having abit of fun. Although the Richard Cockerill v Norm Hewitt face off springs to mind. Probably the closest thing anyone's got to an incident. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfX5G3jIXWQ My 2 cents is that prevention is better than cure. Its all good either way..