to think that the Haka

[Justforlaughs]

can look either rather scary or really ridiculous depending on the player doing it? Just watching it and laughing at some faces and thinking about hiding behind the sofa from some of the others!

I love watching the Haka especially in the rugby sevens when they take their shirts off for it

It's a war dance so it's supposed to be scary and intimidating to the other players. Although I agree, some players look funny doing it. I love watching it though.

I do think that some of the Caucasian players don't take it seriously and as such do look a bit silly.

Some of the other players though... phwoar...

Have you ever seen the video of the NZ Soldiers receiving a repatriated soldier home ?

His whole troop received him with the Haka, made me cry watching it.

I've never understood why they do the haka for things that aren't war. it's not intimidating at the start of a rugby match because you know there is no threat of war/death etc. they should hold up their match record sheet and intimidate that way

It must get their blood up though and in the 'zone' rather than intimidation of the opponent.

oh good point paula! yes I can see how it would work to get the new Zealand team all fired up and ready to go. I suppose in that sense it has a purpose then. I didn't think of it that way.

THIS is the best hakka and response!

www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/video-school-children-wow-new-zealand-rugby-world-champs-with-haka-war-cry-1-6153172

Shosha thanks for that. Made me cry too.

Some might look funny.

Others look downright sexy.

I love watching the Haka but it always makes me cry. No idea why.

shosha that video make me cry too. Dd2 just came and give me kids to cheer me up.

I always thought it would be good once they've done their traditional dance that we do ours....

Imagine the scene... A bloody thirsty pack of savage looking men, shouting and beating their bodies to intimidate our men.... Who then promptly take hankies out their pockets and Morris dance back :)

fifi

Just saw shosha's link.

By far the most moving

Fifi I did see something very similar - our local rugby club has something of a silly team song - think ' off to see the wizard'
One Xmas they did a skit 'xxx rugby club meets the all blacks'

Interspersing a group do black clad players doing a Hakka facing off against ' off to see the wizard' skipping arm in arm

I was crying with laughter

Thanks for the link to the NZ soldiers, really moving.

Or for comedy value you could check out the old school haka:
m.youtube.com/watch?v=56aITpYIQk8&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D56aITpYIQk8

That's hilarious! I'd be more intimidated by the school children!

Apparently early NZ colonists were known to faint when confronted with the haka (which actually functions as much as a welcome as a threat).

Although I should add that British infantry charges (which in those days involved yelling blue murder) had the same effect on some Maori warriors.

The Haka is many things, it is the issue of a challenge, but also a sign of respect.

You may have noticed that the All Blacks have two now. Ka Mate and the one that they did today Kapa O Pango. The one that they choose often signifies the importance of the game to them or the respect with which they hold their opposition.

Lots of schools in NZ have their own school haka. Awesome sight with around 1000 boys all doing haka all at once.

The haka is, btw, as least as significant as the national anthem, if not more so. Just imagine if the ABs sang a spoof on Land of My Fathers involving leeks and sheep.

do the girls not join in too fantail?

also what is blue murder? I know it means lots of screaming but where does the phrase come from?

YANBU...some look scary and some look hilarious!

My 11yr old DS is learning the haka at school and I can't keep a straight face when he practices with his friends

I'm sorry Justforlaughs, I find your comment a bit ignorant. I find watching the haka quite emotional and literally awesome. But even if I didn't I hope I'd have enough respect not to write off something that has such significance for another's culture.

Oh come on now Vivacia

If those doing the haka can laugh about how they look at times, I'm quite sure you can raise a grin if you try?

Ah fair enough worra I'm aware some people will feel I'm being po-faced.