Deja - absolutely. The teams from NZ, Tonga, and the Fiji Islands all do some form of challenge dance just prior to the matches. To see some great ones, go to Youtube and just search on Haka. For the absolutely best one, however, search on 'gingerbread haka'. Hilarious advert for a baking contest in NZ.
Goodness - I've never seen anyone call the haka funny! I guess it does look odd if you're not from NZ (I am) and not into rugby (I'm not, but - sigh - as the only woman in an otherwise male household, I see a lot of rugby).
The All Blacks perform the haka as a challenge to the opposing team. The haka is commonly associated with fighting, but doesn't necessarily have to be so associated. It's always done at test matches, and I guess is an attempt to intimidate the opposing team as much as anything else.
It is considered an insult for the opposing team to NOT face the haka, which happens from time to time. NZ frequently wins when this happens :-)
And the New Zealand All Blacks Haka strikes again!!!
ReplyDeleteToo funny. Forgive my ignorance, but this is ahead of a rugby match, yes?
ReplyDeleteDeja - absolutely. The teams from NZ, Tonga, and the Fiji Islands all do some form of challenge dance just prior to the matches. To see some great ones, go to Youtube and just search on Haka. For the absolutely best one, however, search on 'gingerbread haka'. Hilarious advert for a baking contest in NZ.
ReplyDeleteNow that's what I call a throw down. The other team looked like mere girly men - and terrified.
ReplyDeleteNo crash helmets, no shoulder pads, no tights. Take note, American footballers :)
ReplyDeleteDead right there's no men in tights. This is a manly game. No room for poseurs.
ReplyDeleteGoodness - I've never seen anyone call the haka funny! I guess it does look odd if you're not from NZ (I am) and not into rugby (I'm not, but - sigh - as the only woman in an otherwise male household, I see a lot of rugby).
ReplyDeleteThe All Blacks perform the haka as a challenge to the opposing team. The haka is commonly associated with fighting, but doesn't necessarily have to be so associated. It's always done at test matches, and I guess is an attempt to intimidate the opposing team as much as anything else.
It is considered an insult for the opposing team to NOT face the haka, which happens from time to time. NZ frequently wins when this happens :-)