- John
All Blacks 2, WRU 0 (with the AB's winning both the rugby and psychological games). The WRU failed to sell the dummy.Their sidestep from tradition was crunched in the tackle. They tackled their own players (the public) and now they want to complain to the ref (IRB).
Fairly good smokescreen though. Haka-saga creates a diversion from the hiding on the field.
- D. Rai
Correct responses both off and on the field.
- Chris Mann
I’m backing the All Blacks here and I'm English, what Wales tried to do was wrong, VERY wrong. The All Blacks should have done the Haka when the whistle started so what if Wales would have walked right past them to score the first try we still would have hammered them and made them look even more hopeless and at the same time stood our ground.
- Tommy
The haka is a challenge by the All Blacks to the opposing team. Not a show for the fans to be showcased by administrators. When the haka is performed it is a sign of respect to the opposition. It is an insult not to perform the haka to an opposing team as you are saying they are not worthy of respect. People who find it offensive should educate themselves before making comments based on ignorance. Before the haka is to be consigned to the dressing room as a pre match preparation by the ABs I suggest the opposing players/administrators are asked if they would prefer not to face the haka. Any countries that would prefer not to face the haka can go on a list of countries where it will not be performed in their country before a match. Wales RFU clearly still want the haka performed (as indicated by their whinge to the IRB that it was not) but just on their terms, that is the wrong approach when dealing with a matter of tradition, honour and respect.
- Gary
For 100 years the Haka has been the last action before kick off, if a host union wants to reply (I note it was the union and not the players)then do like the Aussies who sing the ode to the sheep shagger, a nice rendition of Delilah would be ideal. I also note the Pacific Island Haka was performed after the anthems last week. I also heard the the Sky Sport cameraman who filmed the Haka was thrown out of the game and Skysport was banned from interviews after the game. WRFU you a disgrace to sportsmanship and the residence of your fine rugby loving land. Act like a child and be treated like one.
- Sam Swain
In reading what bruce had to say about the haka having it's day is quite disappointing. The Haka in no way whatsoever should ever be compared to the Fox-trot or the waltz. For generations now the Haka has been a tool to lay down the challenge to any of those we duel with. It is also a sign of respect we have for who they are, in this case a team representing their nation. I'm disgusted in this attitude that that was then and this is now. Sure we need to have a balance, things change, rules are added here and there, but you can never replace pride, passion, heart and skill not least of all Tradition. Do not degrade our tradition, especially if you don't understand it's significance. Please, know it before you ridicule it.
- Joe
The All Black haka format that has been good enough for the rest of the world is good enough for the Welsh rugby union.....or they can go get stuffed. And they were.
- Anita Torres
I fully endorse the All Blacks decision to do the Haka in the dressing room - it is the WRU who are clearly at fault. If Wales and other rugby union playing nations want to change the timing of the Haka, fine the All Blacks should continue to do it in private. Now to hear that the WRU are taking it to the IRB - please, soon they will be refusing to play the All Blacks because they know they will lose. Some things cannot be subject to change even in the professional era and the timing of the Haka is one - did not the ARU try and change the time of the Haka some years back and the IRB refused to accomadate them. Quite simply if Wales do not want the Haka done prior to the first whistle - fine that is there right, but the Haka is solely New Zealands right and cannot be dictated too by others.
- Mike
I don't know about anyone else but I remember games between the All Blacks & Pacific Island teams where the Islanders responded in kind after the Haka was performed, perhaps the Welsh should come up with their own 'Haka' equivalent and if there is a next time respond with it.
- Jan
The Welsh actions were underhanded and devious - its as simple as that and no amount of double-speak is going to convince anyone with half a brain otherwise. Should we bow down to fools? As if. The scoreline shows conclusively how well the Welsh tactics worked. The Haka is not some cool new entertainment piece. It has history. It was done even when most of the world considered their indigenous peoples to be less than human. That's its strength. If forced to keep the Haka on NZ soil then so be it. Let others sell their souls. Not us.
- Millie Hawke
I think that the Haka should be performed in the start of the game, because it is been there as far as I can remember. And also I don't see what the big fuss is about it.
- Nita
I was present in the Millennium Stadium and was bitterly disappointed as it slowly dawned upon all spectators that we were to be denied the spectacle of the Haka. 74,000 in the crowd wanted it. Millions more watching on TV expected it. The Welsh public yearned for it. Presumably the New Zealand following love it and the Welsh team desired the opportunity to face it. And yet we were all denied. And we are told that the reason why was due to some petty squabbling that could not be resolved in the six weeks leading up to the game regarding the order of the pre-match rituals. As a young boy I was regaled by stories and deeds of the giants from New Zealand and was fortunate to be brought up in a town that was always one of the bases used by the All Blacks when touring in Wales. I remember the 1972 - 73 team staying at the Seabank hotel and training at my local club. In my mind's eye I still see squad members from 1978, 1980, 1989 wandering the streets of my home town and mingling with the locals. They were revered. They still are. None more so than the current crop. But I feel cheated by this batch and don't want to be.
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- David Evans
New Zealand rugby management did the right thing, the Welsh had no regard for our culture and tradition, so they miss out. The same goes for when the English crowds try to drown out the haka with their singing, imagine if we did that to their national anthem. The time is coming where we may as well perform the haka only at home unless these countries wake up and show due deference to our customs.
- Dean O'Keefe
The Maori elders advice to the Welsh Rugby Union is probably correct. The Haka is there as a challenge to the other team to which THEY can respond. The All Blacks however shouldn't have to stand around waiting for a response from the WRU. They were perfectly correct to do their Haka in the shed. I have always felt that Cardiff produces the best test atmosphere of any international venue, due largely to the amazing singing of the Welsh crowd. While looking for a way to defuse the Haka, the WRU have ignored the fact that they have the perfect foil anyway. 70,000 Welshmen singing Land of my fathers as the game kicks off surely gives the Welsh team as much of a spiritual lift as the Haka does for the All Blacks. It certainly raises the hairs on the back of your neck, more so than 70,000 Australians trying to sing Waltzing Matilda.
- Tony Hurley
If the haka is "about spiritual preparation and we [the players] do it for ourselves", then why should opponents accede to New Zealand's right to do it? I think NZ-ers need to be very careful about their assumption that the rest of the world wants to see it. They don't - not any more. There has been irritation about it for many years since 1987, about the way NZ has turned it into a marketing exercise at best and an aggressive step to far at worst. There have been various flashpoint moments as a result since 1987. Much of the remaining sympathy and affection for it was lost when NZ re-invented the tradition with the new dance, and then unveiled one which included the disgraceful throat-cutting gesture. Now we are told that it is not important as a tradition, but as a method for NZ players to ready themselves. I rather imagine that a number of other nations will be following New Zealand's lead from this game and suggesting that the NZ team do it in the changing room with all the other team-readying procedures.
- Richard
I support what the All Blacks have done. In actual fact they should just do the haka whenever they wanted to. What would the referee do - penalise them? Would he let Wales kick off and score - well great they would have scored 7 points but that’s all as who would kick the ball off to them to restart the match? As it turned out a seven point head start would have been great for Wales. Administrators and alike should stay out of the Haka - sure set some protocols for all to agree on but if they mess with it too much, it might be a great thing for the All Blacks to do in their own changing room. Hey they could even charge a fee to do it in public.
- Andrew Robertson
The haka before a sporting fixture has had its day. Any "foreigner" I know finds it offensive (as I do), and it's time we started to become more culturally sensitive and drop the thing. A hundred years old doesn't mean tradition - it simply means it's had its day, like the waltz or the fox-trot.
- Bruce
Have to ask what the fuss is about, the Welsh wanted to break with over 100 years rugby tradition and sing their anthem last, they got their wish. The NZRFU allowed the Welsh RFU the same thing last year and were promised by the Welsh that it would only be a one-off. Welsh RFU not only broke over a 100 years of rugby tradition but they also broke their word. They shouldnt be worrying about what the AB's didnt do off the field, with the World Cup only a year away, the Welsh RFU should be worrying about what the Welsh didn't do on the field. To be honest, the AB's could have done two hakas during the game and still won.
- Robert H Biddle
The haka is not "pre match" entertainment. In this context it is a challenge from one team to the other. If the other team wants to reciprocate, then all power to them. But if the other team’s management prefer to whine and relegate the haka to 'scheduled pre match entertainment' then simply take it away. The country that does this is not even worthy of receiving a haka. The All Blacks should just save the haka for teams that are worthy of it - France to name one is a team passion, and respect for the haka - and that respect and passion is returned by the All Blacks. Save it for teams like that that deserve it and and teams that can play rugby! Just quietly - I know a few Welsh fans and they do have passion - it's not fair to them...maybe they need to sack their administrators.
- Mark Hutchinson
The WRU practised double standards having allowed the Pacific Islands Team to perform their haka/siva/cibi just before kick-off and not the All Blacks!
- Sione Talanoa Latu
The All Blacks have a perfect right to veto any pre-match arrangements they are not happy with. There was no agreement by match time on the haka, so - no haka. The WRU got exactly what it had negotiated - nothing. If the WRU and its crowd are not happy let them negotiate suitable arrangements with the performers. The All Blacks are not slaves. They are paid to play rugby and they do that sublimely well. Anything else is extra and to date gratis. The WRU abused that generosity and have no-one to blame but themselves. He who pays the piper calls the tune. He who doesn't can whistle in the wind himself.
- Alan Wilkinson
The game of international rugby union is a cash cow to each host rugby nation and without doubt the All Blacks are the biggest drawcard in world rugby today. Accordingly draw the biggest crowds. What ever the monetary breakdown between the unions the host nation gets the greatest share. Surely it would follow that to change an arrangement that was agreed to prior to the tour should be upheld. Don't change the goal posts you may loose more than you gain.
- B Wade
Wales made a lot of money from us touring - and all we got out of it was a predictable lop-sided contest. If they don't want to respect our tradition we should leave them out of our end of season schedule.
- Tim
I attended the game in Cardiff and was, along with 74,000 other people there, very annoyed the haka was not performed. I had paid a huge amount of money to see the haka perfomed at one of the best stadiums in the world, the Millennium Stadium and was sorely ripped off! What made it worse was that at the ground there was no explanation for it and 2 mins into the game, a piece of the haka was shown on the screen. NZ and Welsh rugby unions, sort it out!!!!
- Stephen Gwilliam
I think it was reasonable of the WRU to demand a right to reply to the Haka, but dictating that the haka had to be performed in between the two anthems feels wrong. The opposing team can reply in whatever manner they choose, but the official anthems should be performed together prior to the haka challenge and response. (That said, if the players get the crowd fired up enough to sing another anthem, that'd be sort of cool too.) The guy who gets my respect is Richard Cockerill for facing Norm Hewitt toe-to-toe during a '97 test. He did exactly the right thing in my opinion. I still can't believe they got told off for disrespecting it. What a joke! The next time the All Blacks perform the haka in-between anthems will be in 2105.
- Dave
You Kiwis need to get a grip. Oh someone dares to want to respond to your Haka and you call it disrespect?! Don't you think you're being a little over-sensitive. From what I heard, the Welsh even asked Maori elders for their opinions and they said 'no problem.' So what's yours?
- Walla
The haka has become cheapened over the years with the increased number of tests played and the drop of the hat poor imitations performed by both maori and non-Maori. Now is the time for the NZRFU and All Black players to reconsider when and where the haka is performed. Maybe the haka should only be performed in New Zealand and perhaps world cup finals. By restricting its usage the haka could once again be something special rather than a gimmick trotted out for the wrong reasons.
- Don Skelton
Every team has the right to counter the challenge of the Haka. There is nothing stopping Wales producing a response of their own, the Aussies do it with Waltzing Matilda. The pre game challenge should not be grouped into the singing of the national anthems, it is completely different. Yes the ABS get a pre game buzz out of it and I remember when teams use to face off the Haka, which I can only imagine would give the same buzz to the opposition. Look at what Ireland did at the start of their game. Its just another example of the PC world we live in and I never expected this kind of behavior from the Welsh... I hope the IRB show some intelligent thinking regarding the dummy throwing from the Welsh rugby union.
- Andy
How dare the Welsh refer to the haka as part of the entertainment? It is not a part of their public entertainment and it is high time they showed the respect that our culture deserves. I am pleased that the All Blacks made the stand they did.
- Suzanne Jackson
Oh dear Lord, spare us this arrant tripe about the haka "tradition". It only became a regular fixture in the 70s and I fail to see why the ABs should have the last word psychologically before kick-off. That said, the bleating from Wales is pathetic. If they want to respond to the haka, let the crowd give us a rendition of Men of Harlech or Bread of Heaven, a spectacle that would raise more hairs on the neck than the haka - powerful though it is - does.
- Don Kavanagh
Once an agreement is made then one should stand by his word and do the right thing.Moving the goalposts at the last moment is unacceptable and I support the AB management for their stand.
- Michael Bradley
Don't play the Welsh unless it is a World Cup fixture.
- Danny Rankin
Wales it's time you grow up and take what you got on the chin. I don't know why the ABs bother playing against you crybaby lot. The ABs stuck it up you in the pre-match and during game time. All I have to say is blah blah dee blah you village idiots.
- John Emery
I have found the views people have on this subject quite interesting. More because of what the opinion says about the person than the opinion itself. An option was given and a choice was made. Wales said "If you are choosing not to accept the schedule adjustment then you are choosing not to perform the haka". Then the All Blacks made their choice and demonstrated admirable emotional maturity in doing so.
There are people who understand what constitutes emotional maturity and there are people who don't. Ones' view on this topic demonstrates in which group one belongs. An unfortunate number of journalists and commentators have been found wanting.
- Gavin
As an expat NZer, it's become clear to me that performing the haka just before kick-off is a liberty or an edge -- certainly not a right -- afforded the All Blacks in the opening minutes of the game. Think about it: both national anthems are sung, each stirring national pride among players and spectators and yet on top of that the All Blacks then get to do the haka, leaving the opposing team without a right of reply. As I have always understood it, the haka was always a challenge which must be replied to. From afar these days, it's always great theatre, but it's also a cheeky abuse of privilege. Surely sooner or later an opposing team will quietly bone up on another haka -- it's not that hard to learn one -- and exercise its right of reply. Not only would be appropriate, because it completes the ritual in the way it was always intended, it would also be enormous fun. And don't tell me the All Blacks -- white and brown -- have a patent on performing it. They don't.
- Eljay
The Welsh didn't want The Haka performed last thing before kick off. They got what they asked for. The All Black's wanted to perform The Haka on their terms. That, they did. Was it not the perfect workable solution?
- Harry Whyte
I was present at the Millennium Stadium and witnessed what in the end turned out to be a typical example of crass point scoring by the insensitive Welsh RFU. They have politicised something which is a tradition and part of the New Zealand culture. The crowd voiced their displeasure at the non-performance of the Haka, and not knowing the background to its non-appearance gave vent to its frustration. The disappointment at the non-performance of the Haka was shared by both Welsh and New Zealand supporters in the crowd. Indeed, a large contingent of New Zealanders performed an impromptu Haka in the seats, and this was met with sustained applause from the Welsh supporters. I hope such an important part of tradition, both New Zealand and rugby, is not left to wither away because of the insensitive politicisation of the occasion by the bureaucrats of the Welsh. Please don't let them deprive future supporters of their enjoyment of this tradition.
- John
The arrogance of the Kiwis never fails to amaze me. They are guests in a foreign country, playing in a foreign stadium, and yet they feel they have the right to dictate the order in which things are done, or else they spit the dummy! It's pathetic. The only people who would have missed the haka are the public. I doubt very much if any of the Welsh players missed it! The All Blacks claim the haka is a challenge, yet get aggrieved when any other country tries to respond to their challenge. Grow up, or get rid of it forever.
- Andrew Stevenson
The All Blacks should continue to do what ever the host nation requires. They do not control the rugby pitches around the world. It's enough that they do here in NZ.
- Les
Yet another round of pathetic point scoring by the various rugby unions in the build up to a big game. Wales obviously trying to upset NZ by imposing conditions, so NZ retaliate. Remember the 'racial abuse' by the 'arrogant and ignorant' at Twickenham, the 'cheating' taunts etc etc. Its all a game played out for the media, and NZ play it just like everyone else - why else would the AB's invite a TV crew to a 'private' haka?
- Mark
I think people up north just get bored with being told that they must respect something which looks to have become commercialised - putting the ABs doing the haka on adverts has certainly sold a lot of advertising space for adidas and the Blacks' other sponsors. Maybe when Kiwis get back to treating it with respect, other people will too. Right now, it's just a marketing tool. And since when has one nation's adopted culture become more 'valid' than another's? By the way, I'm a Pom and I can't stand that awful Welsh caterwauling, but they've got a point.
- Jon Jones
Graham Henry says the haka is not for the opposing team and not for the general public - but rather for the All Blacks. If that's the case, why did he invite a camera crew to capture the dressing room performance on tape... and then distribute to the world's media???
- Athol Birkmyre
I just felt sorry for Wales. They (management) are so wrong, instead on a plan to defeat the ABs on the field they instead resort to other dirty tactics (media, IRB protocol etc) which it doesn't help them at all... I just wonder why "desperation" is the word that comes to mind....The big question is why did they let the Pacific Island Haka/siva before the kick off and not the ABs (scared of the Ka Mate?)even worse they said they'll take it up with the IRB after the game... how pathetic is that.
- Eli
When in Rome do as they do in Rome. The All Blacks arrogance has gone too far. If a host country does not want the haka performed then the All Blacks have a choice; comply with the host's requests or refuse to play in the country. The same principles apply to the timing of the haka. If the host wants a right of reply to the challenge then that is their choice. Performing the haka in the dressing room is the act of an indulged spoilt brat. Such childishness demeans the All Blacks. The Welsh crowds booing reaction was earned by the All Blacks. Maybe the haka is past it's "use by date".
- R Mayall
I don't think the All Blacks have a leg to stand on because they have already broken with tradition by introducing a new format haka and because in it's (rugby) origins the haka happened in the order that Welsh officials were asking for. The opposition should be able to respond to the haka. I think it's a shame that the Welsh fans were denied the haka because they really respect and appreciate it - unlike the Poms and Aussies who have a real problem with it. Save the haka for the French, Springboks, Welsh, etc who appreciate it. It is a sign of respect for the opposition team and do it in the changing shed against Oz and England. (The other thing I've noticed recently is how many times the All Blacks have been scored against in the opening minutes of a game after doing the haka. I wonder if anyone can do an analysis of games over the last 2-3 years to see if this is true?)
- Mike Russell
The HAKA should be kept in the dressing room if it is such an issue to the All Blacks when they perform it. The All Blacks are the consummate professional team who do everything to ensure victory whilst the HAKA is a vestige from an amateur past which added colour and tradition to the proceedings. The childish refusal to not 'perform' it at all, unless last, was their choice and is typical of the current All Blacks. Where gaining any advantage be it by their blatant cheating or by this childish posturing is the norm.
- Rowland Powell
I think the Haka is great but it shouldn't have been done under cover... its a challenge which requires a reply, a hymn or whatever, even though I believe it's great we should not dictate how other nations reply. I was horrifed that it was reported that the Welsh should have done a war dance in reply. If we issue a challenge we have no right to tell another nation how to reply, if they sing a hymn do a war dance or whatever so be it.
- "Haka"
The All Blacks' haka although done for the team and NZ rugby, is now about entertainment in the modern game. The people who pay for tickets have a right to be involved with decisions over what is done pre-game be they All Blacks or any other teams doing whatever. Whether we like it or not, if rugby is to flourish and become a truly global game it is about those that watch it either via television or attending. The Welsh crowd reaction proves this point. Also an extra incentive was provided to "fire up" the AB's. I guess we can thank the Welsh union for the help... not that it was needed.
- Mark
If the Welsh want to respond to the Haka, then they should be able to with a traditional song or something similar. The Anthems should be performed together to honour the countries; followed by any traditional / cultural performances. The Aussies perform "Waltzing Matilda" as a response to the Haka... and I believe that is the correct format and time for any response (even though it is slightly embarrassing for Australia!)
- Andrew
The Haka draws New Zealanders together to respect it's cultural heritage and character as a young nation. The current All Blacks are guardians and promote this history and took a stand to guard its Mana. However childish it has become I respect that they stood their ground and emplore that we support their decision. Besides, who are we upsetting other than British media interest and a petty Welshman named Roger Lewis.
- Kelvin Smith
Go the All Blacks! I think the decision to withdraw from performing the haka in front of the crowds on Sunday morning was the right one in the face of complete arrogance from the Welsh Rugby Union. Not only are the WRU completely and utterly disrespecting a tradition that means so much to us all in New Zealand (be us Maori or not) they are trying to tell the number one rugby team in the world how to prepare for their game and they have NO right. I think it goes hand in hand with the Europeans claims of us cheating, and only helps to emphasise the fact that they are miles away from where we are and their desperation is a really starting to stink less than a year out from the RWC. I think the world can take a page from South Africa's book who, in my opinion, show the uttermost respect for our haka and have my mutual respect back for that. We love you boys... Kia Kaha!
- David Brockelsby
I take my hat off to the boys. That was a big call but I believe the right call to make. Seeing the haka performed by the All Blacks live should be a privilege, not a right. If the All Blacks feel that their Haka tradition is not being respected they have every right to not perform it. Perhaps we should look at only performing the haka on home games if it is not respected worldwide. Bottom line... we don't need the WRU dictating to us their "officially verified" haka protocol.
- Brendon
Oh boo hoo, poor Wales, they didn't get to see the natives dancing? I say good on the All Blacks. Wales ventures that they have the right to dictate when the Haka should be 'performed', well New Zealand has the right to decline the opportunity. This idea of taking it to the IRB is ridiculous, far too much crying coming from Wales. Though I'd be sad to go to a match without the haka I'd rather the team did it in the sheds than have it cheapened.
- Kelly McKean
I disagree with Wynne Gray. It's not that the All Blacks are rude guests who should obey protocol because clearly they honoured the Wales centenary last year by doing the haka in the middle of the anthems, it is simply that to continue to change the format is akin to Wales changing the protocols of the haka by stealth. If we change does that mean the Springboks can request the haka at the end, or the Lions can request it at the aftermatch function, or when we tour Italy can they ask us to perform it at a car promotion the morning of the test. At some point protocol dictates that changing it for one nation's request opens the field to change it for others and some nations would like to have it removed all together. I look forward to seeing the haka, but if they dont stand firm it can become ridiculed as part of some one elses agenda. It is a challenge before a contest, it is not a dance to be rescheduled at the convenience of the host. It they want it to be so, they shall not be honoured with it. Yes we missed it, yes I feel cheated but I am glad it wasn't downgraded to prematch entertainment. God, get a clue Wynne, we have cheerleaders for that.
- Alice
