White punts Zulu ‘haka’
17 Jul 2007
Jake White is pushing for the revival of an old Zulu war dance which will be performed by the Springboks before Test matches.
White told the Cape Times that in 1921 the Boks used the dance in major tour matches much like the haka is used by the All Blacks today. He is waiting for the all clear from SA Rugby, but come the World Cup, the Boks could be throwing down the challenge before kickoff.
“I have thought about it and have asked the presidents [of the unions] what they think. It is being discussed,” White said.
“We have done this challenge before in out team room in the four years since I have been involved as a coach but it hasn’t really taken off as an idea to do it in public. Not yet anyway.”
White believes the psychological edge gained by the All Blacks in the process of the haka is tremendous, and he would like gain the same energy from his charges through a Zulu version.
“I have heard old All Blacks sit in the grandstand and pick up the whole mood of the team just from the haka the players perform. All I am saying is that maybe it is time we revived a genuine tradition from the past of South African rugby where we performed a Zulu war dance.
“This is no gimmick, it is a part of our rugby history and tradition.”
The All Black haka is one of the most anticipated challenges in sport. One had only to look at Jannie du Plessis’s face last week to feel the energy and passion it inspires.
While the war dances of the pacific islands teams don’t quite deliver the same impact, few rugby fans will be missing the Samoa versus Tonga match at this year’s World Cup. The sight of the two teams performing their war dance simultaneously is always a crowd favourite.
The Kapa o Pango versus a Zulu challenge minutes before the kickoff of the World Cup final? Don’t rule out the possibility.
310 Comments
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18 Jul 2007, 01:58 am
#300 you make a valid point I can’t really see it working but as a delay tactic after the Hakka to calm things may be a good idea. The track suit removalis starting to wear thin.
18 Jul 2007, 02:26 am
One more issues, I’ve seen a few rugby players attending a dance club breaking their partners’s toes trying to perform the moves. Now, if they can’t remember backline paterns, do you actually think the likes of Os and co. will rember haka moves, what if one kick in the wrong direction at the wrong time breaking his mates jaw or something. Just glad I don’t have to make them learn the moves!
18 Jul 2007, 02:29 am
BOOM–shaka–shaka—laka–laka! (x3)
Zulu and gibberish…
Eish!
18 Jul 2007, 04:52 am
I think it is a great idea but is raised for the wrong reasons. If it was to unite the people of the RSA it would be great. Even if it was to temper the appalling behaviour of Jaapie crowds it would be a great idea. Would they boo while their own team tried to gee itself up?
However, Jake is raising the matter for two reasons that have no merit. He is terrified of the men doing the Haka and he wants to create some new mind game. Get a life guys. The AB’s are not great because of the Haka, the Haka is great because they are the All Blacks.
18 Jul 2007, 05:52 am
Only Zulu dance I want to see is the Sharks cheerleaders!! Seriously, given the Government involvement in Rugby would a Zulu dance get the go ahead over say Xhosa? If Jake reckons the Boks need a gee up before playing NZ then rugby is stuffed in SA.
18 Jul 2007, 05:57 am
It will most probably please the presidents. and mr komphela..
I Say GO FOR IT, makes it all the more entertaining.
18 Jul 2007, 06:13 am
Fair enough.
The ABs get a lot more from the Haka than others may think.
It does seem that Jake’s been taking Gunner Clive Woodward pills to deflect attention.
First he orchestrates bleating by his captain and now……….
18 Jul 2007, 06:56 am
#304 Pot calling the kettle black again!! Open the other eye bru and listen to the Aussie and Kiwi crowds when kicks for poles are lined up and opponents run onto the field.
18 Jul 2007, 07:00 am
#304 and another thing, I do not think there has been one Bok player who has ever been terrified of the Haka. period. Respect yes, face up to it yes. terrified no. And I doubt JW is either. Mind games…maybe
18 Jul 2007, 07:07 am
JW allready battle to get through customs at foreign airports, imagine arriving with springbokvel zulu shields, spiese and cheetah vellies with a lion head!! they will have to play the game in one of the french jails for that!
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