Former All Black hits back at calls for the Haka to be scrapped

Rugby News

by Steven Smith

Friday, 01 February 2019 at 10:51

10226666666666666x767 origin 0x0 tj perenara leading new zealand haka 952x714

bySteven Smith

Add as a preferred source on Google

One of the most iconic scenes in world rugby is the pre-match ritual performed by New Zealand, but some fans and pundits have suggested it should be scrapped.

However, former scrum-half Piri Weepu has aired a strong defence for the ritual and explained: "it's in our DNA."

Piri Weepu

@piriweepu

·Follow

Don’t know why but I’ve been reading comments from people saying we should scrap the haka before games for the @AllBlacks It’s been a tradition for a long time and that’s part of our history and culture. It’s in our DNA.

7:01 AM · Feb 1, 2019

1.1K

Read 129 replies

He famously led the Haka prior to the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.

Rugby World Cup

@rugbyworldcup

·Follow

#TBT to this spine-tingling @AllBlacks haka before the #RWC2011 final...

Watch on X

10:15 AM · Jan 31, 2019

2.8K

Read 63 replies

Ireland vs. England – who makes RUCK’s all-time combined XV?

Wales Womens flight cancelled as icy weather disrupts travel

Write a comment

TRENDING

Springboks coach confirms he’s quitting to join All Blacks

Rugby News•

Sep 15, 23:32

Updated World XV: Springboks dominate as one England star makes the cut

Rugby News•

Sep 16, 06:54

All Blacks captain Ardie Savea stood down until further notice

Rugby News•

Sep 15, 19:07

Jack Willis addresses quitting England for Six Nations rival at 2027 Rugby World Cup

Rugby News•

Sep 15, 20:43

Springbok star will miss 2027 Rugby World Cup after drugs ban

Rugby News•

Sep 15, 16:20

Former All Blacks forward could play for England after Borthwick talks

Rugby News•

Sep 15, 22:24

Harry Potter star buys stake in rugby club in surprise move

Rugby News•

Sep 16, 21:30

Jonah Lomu’s sons chose a very different sport after rejecting rugby path

Rugby News•

Sep 16, 19:36

Ben Earl could walk away from England after 2027 Rugby World Cup

Rugby Transfer News•

Sep 16, 18:07

Five best props in world rugby right now – ranked

Rugby News•

Sep 16, 16:53

Finn Russell becomes a doctor as he reveals surprising post-rugby career

Rugby News•

Sep 16, 16:20

England will have to make two major changes to their shirt for 2027 Rugby World Cup

Rugby News•

Sep 16, 07:33

LATEST COMMENTS

JasonMarlow16-09-2026
Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.