Wallabies provide unique response to New Zealand's haka
Bledisloe Cup – Australia vs New Zealand: Wallabies place boomerang in front of rivals during intense haka at the MCG
- The Wallabies provided a unique response to the haka
- Australia take on New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup
- Allan Alaalatoa placed a boomerang in front of the All Blacks
New Zealand attempted to silence the MCG crowd with a spine-tingling haka on Saturday night, but were met with a unique response from the Wallabies.
Australia are looking to upset the odds and seal a surprise win in their Bledisloe Cup meeting in Melbourne, with coach Eddie Jones backing his side to claim his first win since returning as coach.
But they face a tough challenge in the All Blacks, who are hitting their stride ahead of this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
And ahead of kick off, with New Zealand performing their traditional pre-match haka, the Wallabies responded with an interesting gift for their visitors.
Allan Alaalatoa stepped forward with a boomerang and placed it in front of the All Blacks, before backing away with a steely glare in his eye.
Allan Alaalatoa placed a boomerang in front of the All Blacks while they performed the haka
Teams have tried to combat the haka over the years. England were fined for this in 2019
WHAT IS THE HAKA?
Respected and feared by rugby nations around the world, the haka is as enticing to the seasoned supporter as the first-time fan.
Although we mostly think of the haka in terms of rugby, it actually encapsulates any Maori dancing. There are many different types, performed by different people, for different reasons.
While it is often described as a ‘war dance’ this is an oversimplification – not all hakas are to do with war, they can also be about celebration or as a welcoming gesture for guests.
In Maori mythology, the haka originated from Tane-rore, the child of the Sun-god and his summer maid. He is represented by the quivering of hands during the dance.
Although it has been part of Maori culture for far longer, it was first seen in rugby over a century ago, first in Australia in 1884, and then, four years later, when a team of touring Maori players visited England.
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The boomerang was placed as a welcome gift to Australia, pundits on Stan Sports clarified.
Over the years, a number of teams have responded to the haka in eye-catching ways. Last year, the Wallabies positioned themselves in a boomerang shape to counteract the haka.
At the 2019 World Cup, England were fined for standing in a V-shape in response to the pre-match tradition. The fine amounted to a nominal four-figure penalty.
Ahead of the 2011 World Cup final, the French team linked arms and walked in unison towards the All Blacks – one of the most memorable reactions to the haka in rugby history.
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