Americans urged to learn the haka

Kieran Read, Aaron Smith and Aaron Cruden of the All Blacks perform the haka. Photo / Getty Images

The All Blacks take on the USA Eagles in Chicago next weekend, and American fans are being encouraged to welcome the world champs by learning the haka.

All Black jersey sponsor AIG has produced a video to teach the moves of the Ka Mate haka. Viewers are taken through a step-by-step guide so they can perform the traditional challenge from the stands.

"Now we'd like you to learn the actions to the haka so you can welcome the All Blacks to Chicago with your own passionate haka," says the video, on AIG's YouTube channel:

The clip gives instructions on the correct way to quiver hands, the way to stand - "take a wide stance with knees slightly bent" - and the importance of not revealing palms. It even teaches the haka-ending facial "pukana" in which the eyes bulge and men stick out their tongues.

An additional video is for female fans who are keen to learn the moves of the feminine version of the challenge.

Former All Black Josh Kronfeld said it was a clever marketing ploy and a fantastic platform for Maori culture. "People the world over enjoy watching the haka but don't necessarily understand it," the 54-test veteran said.

"History and knowledge is an amazing tool to begin to appreciate what the haka represents.

"I can't imagine anyone in New Zealand begrudging people learning about our culture."

The November 2 test match will be the fourth time the ABs have played USA in 101 years, and the men in black have taken the honours in the three previous games.

Despite the videos from AIG, there is no guarantee the All Blacks will perform Ka Mate before the test, the ABs opting to unleash their other haka, Kapa o Pango, before several matches this season.