This is the world-class New Zealand rugby team performing their traditional Māori dance before the game. What is the dance called?

The haka is a traditional ancestral war cry, dance, or challenge from the Māori people of New Zealand. It is a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment. The New Zealand sports teams' practice of performing a haka before their international matches has made the haka more widely known around the world. This tradition began with the 1888–89 New Zealand Native football team tour and has been carried on by the New Zealand rugby team since 1905. Here is the background: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haka

But it's best to see it. Here are the NZ All Blacks doing their stuff before the game against Argentina during the 2015 Rugby World Cup:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ujq9sXanYM

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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63 Comments

Cheryl Perkins

As a Kiwi I take umbrage at our Haka being called a dance. It is a war chant. It is to frighten the opposition and to pump up our side to glory.

Rob Bowman

I have watched the Kiwi play a lot of tests and always enjoyed the thrill and passion of the Haka, no other country inspires its players and supporters like this. Suggesting it is a ‘dance’ is like calling a boomerang a stick.

John McLardie

Calling the haka a 'dance' is a gross insult to the New Zealanders: and Maori culture in particular. Seen the All Blacks play Scotland 4 times. Inspiring for the New Zealanders; terrifying for the opposition (even when the NZ Womens' RU team do it).

Tony Ririnui

The haka is our identity

cindigon

When I looked at the picture, the dance macarena popped into my head.

Eve

We absolutely love to watch them perform the Haka! It sends chills up my spine when I watch it and if I were the other team I'd be intimidated! We have relatives in NZ and were introduced to the dance when we first went to visit. Have watched the All Blacks games ever since

Stephen Forest

You say Haka, I say Huka

rosemarymee

Jannie Waller, It is in Britain.

james parrillo

Bruce Means, I believe the black make-up is to deflect the sun from the eyes, not for show or to be menacing. This is much like some life guards in America use white cream for the same purpose. Do not hold my thoughts as absolute truth, please. I believe that is what I heard about the creams for the American football players. I am not sure what the last word you used means to know if it is true. Thank you, Christine, James's wife

Player

Bruce Means, American footballers put black under their eyes to help them see better in bright conditions. White reflects light, black absorbs light. No need for homophobic slurs.

Jannie Waller

The link isn't valid.

daproske

Cultural customs lead to erroneous conclusions. Thanks for the clarification...

docluci

I agree it is a war cry before a battle

teresab

Wish they'd STOP and just focus on the games. Any wonder the Poms beat them in Japan for the World Cup.

patricia crosland

Cheryl Perkins, Agree with you.

Carl Belken

I remember the Haka from an episode of The Amazing Race. The contestants were supposed to face the Maori without showing fear. Heck, it looked scary to me just on TV alone. I'd have hated to have been there in person.