The haka is a sacred element of New Zealand identity - both on the sporting field and beyond - but there was consternation amongst Kiwis after the ceremonial dance was upended by a serious of disturbances as the All Blacks took on South Africa in Ellis Park on Saturday.
Scott Robertson brought his All Blacks side to the home of the twice-reigning world champions last weekend for the first time as New Zealand's head coach. There was huge anticipation for the rematch of the 2023 World Cup final, however eyebrows were raised by a series of comical interruptions near the end of the haka, which included a plane flyover, fireworks and music from the PA, before the haka was complete.
Scott Roberston was philosophical about the disruption speaking to reporters.
"It’s a pretty iconic tradition, isn’t it, in our game, and everyone has their own way with receiving it,”
“We’d prepared for that, it wasn’t the first time. They try and take their advantage on it, take away our advantage they believe that we’ve got in the haka, and I think it just adds to the theatre of all.
However it was a particularly sombre haka as the All Blacks wore black armbands to remember Māori King, Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII who passed away on Friday.
If ever there was a haka to solemnly observe, it was this one.
Springboks issue haka apology
Today Rian Oberholzer, head of the South Africa Rugby, issued a formal apology for the blunders.
“I apologised in person and have written to the NZRFU to formally express our regret and apologies for what occurred.”
“It was never the intention to schedule any activities that would coincide with such an iconic moment of any Test match against the All Blacks. That it occurred was a result of timekeeping challenges and simple human error.
“In the confusion, the crowd’s excited cheering was mistaken to have marked the conclusion of the Haka by an unsighted sound engineer who restarted the music programme. It was highly regrettable but in no way deliberate.”
“We hold dear the values and traditions of the game. The unfortunate events in no way represent any lack of respect that South African rugby holds for the significance and history of the Haka. We will ensure such errors cannot be repeated.”
New Zealand would throw away a lead and ultimately lose to the Springboks, but they'll have a chance to avenge their defeat this Saturday in Cape Town.
