Leave the haka alone – Wales star Shane

SHANE Williams has revealed his affection for the haka and urged rugby chiefs to ensure the All Blacks continue performing it before matches.

The Wales legend has delivered his verdict as many in New Zealand debate whether or not it is being overused.

He was in the Wales team that faced it down in Cardiff in 2008, provoking an extraordinary stand-off after the Kiwis had performed the pre-match ritual.

Despite several appeals by South African referee Jonathan Kaplan for the teams to retreat for kick-off, neither would budge as the Millennium Stadium crowd went berserk.

“It was one of those moments that stand out in your career with the two captains (Ryan Jones and Richie McCaw) telling the ref they weren’t going to move,” said Wales’ record tryscorer.

“It was incredible to be part of it. I was thinking I had to be home by 10pm and I hope they have got it sorted by then!” he quipped.

Eventually both teams filtered into position for the start of combat, but the incident is lodged firmly in the mind of Premier Sports signing Williams.

“People still talk about it, in rugby clubs and in pubs. The haka is a talking point and, for me, it’s something special.

“It’s intimidating, before, during and after it but was one one of the prematch highlights during my playing career.

“It was something I looked forward to as a player.

“Of course it’s there to gee up and get the All Blacks going.

“But it wakes you up as an opposition player when they are all screaming and poking their tongues out at you. It makes you realise they’re there for a war.

“For someone who has faced up to it inches away from the All Blacks, you realise what it does but it also does the job of getting up their opponents.

“It’s fantastic, it excites fans and does get people going. As far as I am concerned, there’s no reason to abolish it.”

A debate has blown up among New Zealanders about the future of the haka after the release of a book by rugby journalist Peter The Jersey.

In it, former Scarlets and New Zealand prop Kees Meeuws said: “It has lost its mana. It has become a showpiece. They should do it at some Test matches, but not all.”

Even the New Zealand Herald, the country’s national newspaper, has said it may be time for a re-think.

In an editorial, it said: “Is it fair in the current rugby environment for the All Blacks to keep their opposition waiting, where the difference between winning and losing can come down to smallest of margins and where losses can lead to the end of coaching and test playing careers?

“Yes, the haka makes us proud. But should the All Blacks still have the right to do it before every match? It is becoming increasingly hard to justify.” Bills, entitled