We were fortunate to go to the Stade de France on Saturday evening to see the French National team play the All Blacks. A great rugby match, and France did well, but they were just not good enough for the infamous All Blacks. Here we see the Haka being performed prior to the match ... quite a spectacle ... and it must be quite nerve wracking for the opposing team!
@salza You do get the atmosphere in the stadium, but I miss the detail, as you're quite far away. I take my binoculars with me to follow everything close up - gives me a good view of what's going on in the scrum!
@yorkshirekiwi Yes, they did a bit ... gave the French a wee chance to shine though! I'm dreading next weekend when the ABs play Scotland. We'll get a hammering! ;-)
Like Kathy, I had never heard of this before so google to the rescue. Wow! So interesting to read about this traditional war cry & dance and actually watch the Haka on a YouTube video. Another wonderful 365 learning experience for me! :-)
My nephew just moved to New Zealand last month...perhaps when we visit him in the future we might be fortunate enough to actually attend a rugby match and see "the Haka" performed live. That would be incredibly awesome! :-)
@gaylewood I hope you do get to see a match and a Haka ... fearful stuff. The guy standing up in the centre of the group of ABs (No. 12 I believe) is the one who 'motivates' the team for the Haka. It's a great tradition and is one of the things that makes the ABs unique.
My nephew just moved to New Zealand last month...perhaps when we visit him in the future we might be fortunate enough to actually attend a rugby match and see "the Haka" performed live. That would be incredibly awesome! :-)