England legends ‘Hakarena’ draws Kiwi fire, but some All Blacks see the funny side

The unlikely crew was recruited by menswear retailer Jacamo to deliver a lighthearted, choreographed spoof that had fans both chuckling and cringing in equal measure.

This wasn’t your classic Haka. Dubbed the “Hakarena,” the routine was a quirky mix of four easy moves: arm slaps, leg slaps, chest slaps, and a… let’s say, “enthusiastic” hip wriggle, all set to a custom soundtrack that couldn’t be further from the fierce chants of New Zealand’s pre-game ritual.

Not everyone was laughing, especially not New Zealand’s cultural leaders. Former Māori Party co-leader Pita Sharples shared a strong reaction to the spoof, saying, “The haka is very meaningful to us. To actually mimic it and deliberately bring it into ridicule is, to me, insulting.”

Jacamo, the brand behind the video, responded to fan backlash on Twitter with an apology, clarifying: “Sorry if this has caused offence, was not our aim. The haka is awesome & wanted to show how silly [the] English version would be.”

As for the All Blacks themselves, they handled the parody with surprising calm. Speaking from New Zealand’s World Cup base in London, legendary hooker Keven Mealamu shrugged it off with a laugh. “It’s actually quite funny seeing him do it,” Mealamu commented. “It’s, obviously, just something he’s lifted.”

Mealamu acknowledged the Haka’s significance, explaining, “The haka’s part of what we do, but it’s not actually what we do as a rugby team. We’re out here to play the game.” Asked if Dawson had crossed a line, Mealamu chose to emphasize the cultural pride New Zealanders feel about the Haka instead: “It’s his view on the way he sees it. He sees it different to us. The haka is quite special to us not only as All Blacks, but it’s something we’re proud of as part of our culture.”

Mealamu even shared a personal connection: “I started doing the haka when I was four years old in my backyard. I saw my heroes doing it.”

Rugby fans took to social media to voice their thoughts, and, unsurprisingly, opinions were divided:

“Shockingly bad. Dawson needs to have a word with his agent about this one,” added a third, clearly unimpressed.

“I wish England would do this against New Zealand just for the sake of it,” mused one cheeky fan.

“Amusing? Yes. Disrespectful? Yes,” another commented, summing up the mixed vibes.

Guardian 5/10: "Back from calf injury and gassed by Tele’a for first try. Embraced the blitz defence but beaten by Jordan too easily as well."

Telegraph 5/10: "Brutally targeted by the All Blacks for their opening tries by Tele’a and Jordan. Rule of thumb: don’t leave your prop exposed against All Black outside backs."

Guardian 5/10: "First start at 32 and looked nervous, caught out at one ruck on his own 22 and charged down. Settled thereafter but not the statement showing he’d have liked."

Guardian 5/10: "Handling a bit shaky under the high ball early on but that improved. Not much of chance to show what he can do with the ball."

Telegraph 5/10: "A disappointing showing. His high-ball work is usually his calling card but was very poor here, helping New Zealand to dominate the early aerial exchanges."

Planet Rugby 5/10: "Not a great deal to say for a player who had a lot to deal with in Mark Tele’a and failed to really stamp his mark on the game."

Rugby Pass 4/10: "Conceded an early scrum penalty which eventually resulted in Scotland’s first try of the match. Had a tough time at scrum time, which was part of Fiji’s undoing in an ill-disciplined affair."

Rugby Pass 3/10: "One of the All Blacks best this year finally had on off day. An ankle tap on Maro Itoje helped save a bad situation in the first half.

"Took a massive shot from Cunningham-South and spilt the ball, the All Blacks conceded a penalty from the scrum. Dropped the pass with an open line ahead on what was probably a forward pass from Sititi, but nonetheless a possible try scoring moment. Pinged right on half-time for side maul entry. Off at 41."

Telegraph 5/10: "Received a thunderous welcome from Cunningham-South in the first half and spilled a Sititi pass which did ask too much of him. Limped off a minute into the second half.

Planet Rugby 5/10: "New Zealand had their lineout wobbles, while Vaa’i struggled to put it about physically. The lock also dropped a ball which he should have held with the tryline in his sight. "

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