Pundit in call for haka to be scrapped

AN Irish pundit has called for the haka to be stopped because it gives New Zealand an unfair advantage.

In a scathing attack, awardwinning journalist Ewan MacKenna claims it gives the All Black a physical edge over their opponents, says that it is “completely overdone” and brands it “cringeworthy”.

New Zealand are not the only team who perform a war dance prior to matches, but they are the most well known.

The conclusion of the national anthems at most games sees both teams take their positions for kick-off but not when the All Blacks are in town.

Instead, they line up near the halfway line and perform the haka, laying down a challenge to their opponents, as do many of the teams representing Pacific nations such as Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

Controversially, MacKenna wrote: “We are back to pandering to the dance.

“That’s unfortunate as New Zealand are justifiably big-headed enough without a massaging of their already massive egos.

“Yet even World Rugby have it in their rules that to not stand on your own 10-metre line and watch a bunch stick out their tongues and slap their thighs is worthy of a fine and a stern telling off.

“We know this because, in 2011, the French federation were fined £10,000 for having the nerve to shuffle forward aggressively as a response.

“We know this because our own authorities (Irish RFU) needed special dispensation to form the figure eight in memory of Anthony Foley when facing it in Chicago.

“We know this because they fawned a diplomatic incident when Brian O’Driscoll had the sheer temerity to hurl some blades of grass into the air.”

The columnist also applauded Wales for their epic standing up to the haka in 2008.

He says: “Say what you will about the Welsh, but credit where it’s due for they not only called out the b ****** t, they stood up to it and stood firm around it.

“A dozen years ago when New Zealand came to town, they asked that the haka take place after the visiting anthem, allowing the glorious and beautiful Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau to ring out last and set their home scene.

“The All Blacks, however, threw a pathetic strop, flung their toys far from the pram, and ended up amusing themselves with it within the confines of their dressing room.

“Where it should stay.”