Ireland's 'unique response' to the All Blacks haka backfired spectacularly

Ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Tokyo, Irish supporters attempted something rarely seen during New Zealand's famous pre-match challenge.

Rather than standing in silence, thousands of fans inside Tokyo Stadium broke into a passionate rendition of The Fields of Athenry, attempting to drown out the haka as TJ Perenara led the All Blacks.

On television, the traditional Irish anthem was so loud that the haka itself was barely audible, creating one of the most unique atmospheres ever witnessed before an international rugby match.

As the All Blacks lined up to perform the haka, Ireland's travelling support sang in unison, creating what many described as a "home atmosphere" despite being over 9,000 miles from Dublin.

The moment quickly went viral on social media, with fans split over whether it was a brilliant show of support or an unnecessary attempt to disrupt one of rugby's most iconic traditions.

Unfortunately for Ireland, the contest that followed could hardly have gone worse.

New Zealand raced into an early lead and never looked back, producing one of their finest World Cup displays to demolish Joe Schmidt's side 46-14 and end Ireland's tournament at the quarter-final stage once again.

By the opening 10 minutes, the All Blacks had already taken control, with tries flowing as they overwhelmed Ireland in every department.

After the match, then All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen was asked about the deafening noise created by the Irish supporters.

Rather than criticising the fans, Hansen praised the atmosphere.

While Hansen refused to suggest the singing had motivated his players, many supporters felt the atmosphere only added to New Zealand's intensity before kick-off.

From World Cup finals to unforgettable encounters, some performances have transcended rugby itself. These are the five greatest Haka moments of all time, ranked for their intensity, significance and lasting impact.

Carrying the weight of a rivalry that stretched back decades, the 2023 World Cup final Haka set the tone for New Zealand’s battle with South Africa in Paris.

The All Blacks delivered Kapa o Pango with fierce intensity, directing their challenge at a side renowned for physicality and resilience. Although the result did not go their way, the performance captured the emotion, pride and pressure of rugby’s biggest occasion.

A historic night in Belfast began with the Black Ferns delivering a Haka filled with purpose before their World Cup final against England. New Zealand’s performance reflected the unity and confidence of a team chasing another world title.

More than a traditional challenge, it represented the culture and identity behind the jersey. The intensity of the moment perfectly matched the occasion before the Black Ferns produced a memorable championship victory.

Few Haka moments have created as much drama as New Zealand’s confrontation with France at the 2007 World Cup. Ahead of their quarter-final in Cardiff, the All Blacks performed with their usual power, only for France to step forward and meet the challenge.

That unexpected response turned a pre-match ritual into a defining image of the tournament, adding another layer of tension before one of rugby’s greatest upsets unfolded.

Sebastien Chabal's stare in response remains one of the most iconic moments in World Cup history, and France's reaction paid off as they won 20-18, albeit in controversial circumstances.

Rain poured down in Hong Kong, but nothing could dull the impact of New Zealand’s unforgettable Haka after their 2014 Sevens triumph over England. The players embraced the conditions, celebrating with a display packed with energy, pride and emotion.

Unlike a traditional pre-match challenge, this performance became a celebration of success and connection. It captured the spirit of sevens rugby and created a moment that remains treasured by fans worldwide.

Few pre-match moments in rugby history compare with the Haka performed before the 2011 World Cup final between New Zealand and France.

Under the lights at Eden Park, the All Blacks delivered Kapa o Pango with enormous intensity, while France responded by advancing toward the challenge in a V-shaped formation.

The confrontation created a charged atmosphere before a tense final and remains the perfect blend of tradition, emotion and sporting theatre.

France were later fined £2,500 by the IRB for crossing the half-way line.