Before their matches, New Zealand’s All Blacks perform the haka while their opponents face them. This tradition comes from Māori communities, which have practised it for centuries. Its history in rugby goes back to 1884, when a New Zealand team performed it during a visit to Sydney, Australia. A touring New Zealand team also performed it in Britain in 1888.
One of the All Blacks’ dances, Ka Mate, uses a traditional poem about life, death and the strength to continue through difficulties. Māori chief Te Rauparaha created it in 1820. Another haka, Kapa o Pango, was first performed in August 2005 before a match against South Africa. Before the 1987 World Cup, players Buck Shelford and Hika Reid helped the team improve its words and movements.
Fiji, Samoa and Tonga also perform traditional dances before matches, using coordinated movements and calls. World Rugby’s rules control where teams can stand during these challenges. When only one team performs, its opponents must not cross the halfway line. Teams that break these rules can receive fines.
