No haka for Canes before Aupiki clash

After weeks of controversy and scrutiny, the Hurricanes Poua did not perform a haka before their latest Super Rugby Aupiki clash against the Blues in Auckland on Saturday afternoon.

Before kick-off, all eyes were on the Poua to see if they would continue to use the prematch challenge to send a message, but the game at Bell Park simply started without the visitors performing one.

It was not immediately clear whether the Poua were under orders not to, or had decided that the controversy had already taken enough focus away from the rugby.

Post-match, a Hurricanes spokesperson said it was “a team decision” not to do the haka, and couldn’t elaborate further, while Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee could not be reached for comment.

On the paddock, the Poua were no match for the free-running Blues, who cantered to a 52-5 victory, in windy but dry conditions.

Despite a dominant first half, the hosts went to the sheds ahead only 5-0, but then really cut loose after the break, as Black Ferns winger Katelyn Vaha’akolo helped herself to a hat-trick.

Meanwhile, Chiefs Manawa stars Ruby Tui and Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu were back involved in their team’s haka prior to the match against Matatū in Hamilton later in the afternoon.

Last weekend, against the Blues in Auckland, the Black Ferns duo had opted not to participate in the haka, in a move strongly suspected to be triggered by the initial Poua haka though which the Chiefs had not given any explanation for.

And, in what was a repeat of last year’s final, the Manawa scored a slice of revenge with their 38-22 victory, which has them four points clear at the top of the table.