Rugby World Cup: a look back at the history of the New Zealand haka

Highlights: The haka, the Maori ritual dance of All Blacks performed before each official match, has become their signature. On the occasion of the opening match of the Rugby World Cup, France - New Zealand, this Friday evening, let's look back at the history of the New Zealand haka. The haka of the All Blacks is always a highly anticipated moment, for spectators and players alike. The All Blacks perform the "Ka mate!" or "Te Rauparaha haka", in reference to its creator.

The haka, a ritual practiced to impress opponents?  Even if you've never seen a rugby match, you've probably heard those warlike cries before. On the occasion of the opening match of the  Rugby World Cup, France - New Zealand this Friday night, let's look back at the history of the New Zealand haka.

Laura Laplaud / Photo credits: KENTA HARADA / GETTY IMAGES ASIAPAC / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP 06:55, September 08, 2023

The haka, a ritual practiced to impress his opponents? Even if you've never seen a rugby match, you've heard those warlike cries before. On the occasion of the opening match of the Rugby World Cup, France - New Zealand this Friday evening, let's look back at the history of the New Zealand haka.

Warlike cries, equivocal gestures and a cold look... The haka, the Maori ritual dance of All Blacks performed before each official match, has become their signature. What can New Zealand rugby players say when they do their famous haka? On the occasion of the opening match of the Rugby World Cup, France - New Zealand, this Friday evening, let's look back at the history of the New Zealand haka.

What is haka?

In Maori culture, haka is the umbrella term for dance. A rite that can be a demonstration of the pride, strength, unity of a tribe and that also allows to express joy, anger, the desire for revenge and even sexuality.

Where does it come from?

The All Blacks, the New Zealand rugby union team, made the haka world famous. The All Blacks perform the "Ka mate!" or "Te Rauparaha haka", in reference to its creator. The "Ka mate!" tells the story of the warrior Te Rauparaha pursued by his enemies. "It evokes the fear of being captured and the exhilaration of survival. Applied to sport, it refers to the fear of defeat in each camp and the will to win," explains Jérôme Fredon in his book In New Zealand, the haka is much more than sport.

Why did the New Zealand team adopt it?

If you believe that New Zealand rugby players have always performed the haka, think again. They adopted the custom in 1888. During the first Maori tour of Europe, players had the idea of performing the famous haka before each match to attract people and pay for their trip. But it was not until 1987 that New Zealand players executed it, at the first Rugby World Cup held in New Zealand. Coincidence? That year, the All Blacks triumphed at home. For the superstitious, this success is due to the power of the haka.

Faced with the haka of the All Blacks, what can be the reactions of other teams?

The haka of the All Blacks is always a highly anticipated moment, for spectators and players alike. The latter, who often do not respond. Except in 2007. We remember the reaction of the XV of France who decides not to undergo the haka. Blue, white, or red T-shirts on the back, thus forming the French flag, they advance towards their opponent and remain motionless. An epic image.

Four years later, the two nations met in the final of the World Cup. This time, the Blues will form an arrow that will head towards the All Blacks during their demonstration.

Does the haka exist in other sports?

Other nations in the Oceanian zone perform the haka. Fiji does Cibi, Samoa Siva tau, and Tonga does Kailao. Rugby union players aren't the only ones practicing this dance sung before their game – New Zealand's rugby league or basketball teams do the same.