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DUBLIN - After performing the haka 63 times around the world, Doug Howlett is now considering how to respond to the All Blacks' pre-match ritual from the other side of halfway.
The former test wing will face the haka for the first time on Wednesday (NZT) when the All Blacks play Munster at Limerick's Thomond Park - a much-anticipated match to commemorate the Irish province's famous 12-0 defeat of Graham Mourie's grand slam winners in 1978.
Howlett, who joined Munster following last year's World Cup, is not alone in facing the dilemma.
Former New Zealand Maori captain Rua Tipoki and Taranaki midfielder Lifeimi Mafi are also included in Munster's squad, leading Howlett to suggest Tipoki might be best qualified to decide what was appropriate.
"It will be an interesting one," Howlett said.
"I've performed it many a time but never been in front of it. I might have to consult our resident Maori (Tipoki) and come up with the correct response in terms of what to do."
From Howlett's recollection, teams generally linked arms to face the haka. They might form into a huddle or in Wallaby David Campese's celebrated case, carry on with his warm-ups at the opposite end of the field.
The Irish have also produced a memorable response. At Lansdowne Road in 1989 Willie Anderson shuffled his men towards the All Blacks, culminating in the Irish captain eyeballing Buck Shelford.
Howlett was not predicting a similar confrontation next week but suggested the New Zealand contingent might perform their own haka to coincide with the All Blacks' rendition.
"Back home it's not uncommon to haka back, it's probably the correct response," he said.
But realistic?
"Well, it's certainly an option," Howlett smiled.
While the treatment of the haka is yet to be resolved, Howlett admitted the prospect of playing his old teammates had occupied his mind since the fixture was confirmed in April.
"It's been at the back of my head for a long time, it's an exciting opportunity and may never happen again," he said.
Personnel-wise, the absence of first choice Irish and All Black players has taken some edge off the contest, not that it has tempered the enthusiasm in Limerick.
"It's a real buzz to be down there," Howlett said.
Munster have 11 players in Ireland's match-day 22 for the test at Croke Park on Sunday (6.15amNZT) and they are unlikely to be released considering they host Argentina next weekend.
The All Blacks management have long confirmed their stars will not take part as they contemplate a test against Wales in Cardiff.
Munster will clearly feel the loss of their internationals more considering Ronan O'Gara and six members of the starting forward pack play for the reigning Heineken Cup champions.
"We'll do the best with what we've got," Howlett said.
"We're hoping to get some of the fringe test players back."
Munster named a 23-man squad today but can make alterations if the Irish squad members not expected to play Argentina are released.
Meanwhile, although he is now considered a loyal Munsterman Howlett said he was constantly reminded of that match that took place when he was six weeks old.
"Every day someone mentions `Do you remember 78'?" he said.
"The year the All Blacks were tipped up by Munster? They're pretty proud of a track record like that."
Given their weakened state Howlett cautioned a similar outcome was unlikely.
"Obviously expectations are pretty high on us but the fans have good rugby minds, they're realistic," he said.
"They're looking forward to a great event and a great show."
- NZPA
