For New Zealanders, the answer to this question is simple. Many rugby union fans worldwide are familiar with the haka but may not know why it is iconic and transcends the sport. On the other hand, many sports fans aren’t huge fans of rugby union who understand what haka is. You could probably go as far as to say that many people out there have zero interest in rugby union yet are still aware of the haka.
For Kiwis, watching the All Blacks brings an enormous sense of pride. Throughout the last 30 years, they have often operated at the highest echelons of rugby union, winning multiple World Cups and decimating many decent teams that have tried to stand in their way. At the peak of their powers, they were untouchable, and for a nation of such a small size, it is impressive that so many world-class players come from such a small country.
The ability of the team to handle the biggest games, like the World Cup Finals they have participated in, with such ease shows that they have unbelievably impressive mental strength. You could compare it to the types of players you see at a live casino platform playing poker. Although they might have an incredible amount on the line and have gambled big, they have kept their head when it mattered and came out on top, and this is what the All Blacks have done year upon year since the turn of this Century.
We’ll start by looking at the history of the ritual dance, inscribed into Maori folklore and tradition. Once we establish the history of the dance, we can try and break down why it has become so indistinguishable from the legendary international rugby side.
The History of The Haka
Some common misconceptions regarding the haka are that there’s just one type or that it was only brought to international recognition by the All Blacks. While it is true that the All Blacks have brought the ceremonial dance to a global audience, the pre-game angle was initially adopted by the New Zealand football team, but the rugby team has used it for over 120 years before games.
In addition, there are several types of haka, including ones incorporating weaponry. Some traditional Maori have stated that it is a war dance and take offense to non-Maori performances of their legendary piece of culture.
The origins of the dance date back hundreds of years, and it is used just as much for a celebration of life as a war dance. However, in sports, the war dance elements are the goal for the All Blacks before they go into battle against another nation on the rugby turf.
However, the haka, as performed by the All Blacks, is traditionally a dance they perform before massive games to intimidate their opposition. Given how much the New Zealand team punches above its weight regarding rugby union, there’s probably a strong argument that the haka strikes much more fear into their opponents than they like to indicate.
What Makes It So Special?
Once you combine the All Blacks’ quality and the dance’s unique features, it is relatively easy to see why it is such an iconic sequence before a big game against formidable rivals like Australia, France, and England. There are very few sporting teams, internationally speaking, who incorporate a pre-game ritual and fire it in the direction of their opponents.
Visually it is spectacular; it stirs up a primal spirit within New Zealanders and gets the blood pumping for the players and the crowd. The mystique and ferocity that underpins the sensational routine wows crowds all over the world. Even the response by international teams can stir up headline-worthy pieces of news.
Conclusion
In a world where many people do not follow old traditions and are led by newer choices, it is incredibly refreshing to see this traditional Maori dance still play a pivotal role whenever the All Blacks take to the pitch.
It seems more apt and fitting that the haka still holds such a firm place in a hugely successful international sports team. In today’s society, professional athletes are obsessed with their social media presence rather than rocking the boat, doing things considered different, and staying true to themselves.
Many do not embrace their older traditions or cultures, likely another reason the haka still grabs the audience’s attention. The dance is arguably just as big, if not bigger than the All Blacks team and their rich history. When your pre-game ritual is just as well-known as your team, this shows how well-revered it is.
The All Blacks will likely continue to perform the haka for decades. It fires them up, intimidates opponents, and brings them international notoriety for their unique and fearless approach to the big games. But, most importantly, it pays a fitting level of respect to the Maori warriors of the past who were the original settlers in New Zealand.
