The All Blacks' new haka formation will continue to feature throughout the World Cup.
When the New Zealanders set up to challenge Argentina ahead of their opening pool match at Wembley Stadium they surprised their supporters by forming a pyramid with captain Richie McCaw standing alone at the point, followed by Kieran Read and Ma'a Nonu.
TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith and Jerome Kaino stood in the next row, backed by Dane Coles, Dan Carter, Conrad Smith and Julian Savea. Veteran hooker Keven Mealamu walked between the next two rows as he began the haka, which was largely greeted with respectful silence by a crowd of 89,019 - a record for a World Cup match.
TV cameras positioned in front of the haka offered a worm's eye view of what the Pumas were seeing; the All Blacks, who have had their AIG sponsorship logo removed from their jerseys as part of the tournament regulations, were booted and suited in an intimidating all black ensemble that has rarely been seen in recent times because players often wear coloured footwear.(Source)
For most non-Maori New Zealanders today their knowledge of the Haka is perhaps limited to that most performed of Haka called "Ka mate, Ka mate", which was composed by Ngati Toa Chieftain Te Rauparaha around 1820. Many sports teams and individuals travelling from New Zealand overseas tend to have the haka "Ka mate" as part of their programme. The sports team that has given the haka the greatest exposure overseas has been the All Blacks, who perform it before their matches. It has become a distinctive feature of the All Blacks.
When the New Zealanders set up to challenge Argentina ahead of their opening pool match at Wembley Stadium they surprised their supporters by forming a pyramid with captain Richie McCaw standing alone at the point, followed by Kieran Read and Ma'a Nonu.
TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith and Jerome Kaino stood in the next row, backed by Dane Coles, Dan Carter, Conrad Smith and Julian Savea. Veteran hooker Keven Mealamu walked between the next two rows as he began the haka, which was largely greeted with respectful silence by a crowd of 89,019 - a record for a World Cup match.
TV cameras positioned in front of the haka offered a worm's eye view of what the Pumas were seeing; the All Blacks, who have had their AIG sponsorship logo removed from their jerseys as part of the tournament regulations, were booted and suited in an intimidating all black ensemble that has rarely been seen in recent times because players often wear coloured footwear.(Source)
For most non-Maori New Zealanders today their knowledge of the Haka is perhaps limited to that most performed of Haka called "Ka mate, Ka mate", which was composed by Ngati Toa Chieftain Te Rauparaha around 1820. Many sports teams and individuals travelling from New Zealand overseas tend to have the haka "Ka mate" as part of their programme. The sports team that has given the haka the greatest exposure overseas has been the All Blacks, who perform it before their matches. It has become a distinctive feature of the All Blacks.
VIDEO
The New Zealand Haka
The defending Webb Ellis Cup champions are underway at #RWC2015, kicking their defence off with this Haka at Wembley Stadium
Posted by Rugby World Cup on Sunday, September 20, 2015
I am glad their culture was valued. So often culture is misunderstood and feared.