by LFC #1 » Wed Jun 29, 2005 10:57 pm
Perhaps it is used for intimidatory purposes these days but that is not the point of it. The Haka was used as a challenge to another Maori tribe which was expected to be met. I am a bit hazy on the exact details but if the tribe accepted the challenge they had to place some sort of traditional object on the ground to indicate that they accept the challenge.
It is not expected to be taken lying down, it is respectful to face up to it, but to turn your back is a disgrace as Australia found out one day in Wellington about 8 years ago when they turned their backs and were beten by 40 plus points, not a good idea.
Australia no longer feel intimidated by it they claim and nor should England or any other country, it's just a traditional challenge used by the natives in our country, and a big part of NZ rugby culture.
All the Pacific Island nations like Fiji, Samoa and Tonga do their own traditional dance in all their rugby matches, as does New Zealand which has a large number of Pacific Islanders or "Polynesians" living there, and the Maoris are believed to be of similar origins to these pacific islanders, Hawaiian natives often resemble Maoris.
It's just a part of the culture, and with the All Blacks being such a focal point to the culture of the whole of New Zealand, it seems appropriate that they do the Haka IMO.
