Video: New Zealand Performs Maori Haka
Prior to their match against the United States last night [Nov.8] at the Bermuda World Rugby Classic, the New Zealand All Blacks issued a traditional challenge to the Americans by performing the Haka — a Maori war dance. Last night it had the desired effect, with New Zealand besting the United States 39 – 0
The Haka was adopted by the New Zealand national rugby union team and has been performed by them at every local and international match since 1905.
The rugby Haka — a ancestral war chant marked by the pounding of feet and vigorous moves — is said to have come from Te Rauparaha [1768-1849], chief of the Ngati Toa tribe and one of New Zealand’s last great warrior chiefs. Te Rauparaha cut a swathe from the Waikato to the South Island where his followers killed both European settlers and southern Maori.
The New Zealand rugby team’s practice of performing the Haka before their matches has made the dance more widely known around the world.
