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New Zealand have no intention of limiting the performances of their famous haka and Australia’s Will Genia is delighted.
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Reports have suggested some former All Blacks believe the haka has lost its significance and was no longer the intimidating routine it once was, with calls for it to only be used before significant matches.
However, the current crop of internationals insist they will continue to perform the Maori war dance ahead of all Tests, starting with Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with Australia.
“From an All Blacks’ point of view we love doing the haka,” said flanker Sam Cane.
“We do a light run-through at the captain’s run and we bust it out on Saturday, and it’s sort of the final touch [of getting ready to go].
“We’re well aware of the strong history it has, and it’s part of who we are as All Blacks. It’s as strong and powerful as ever, in my opinion.”
Genia is likely to face the haka at ANZ Stadium this weekend and he is glad New Zealand will not pick when to do the haka in future.
“I love it,” he said. “It’s just an expression of their culture and people can says it’s over-commercialised, but they don’t do it for a commercial purpose, they do it because it’s something that’s important to them in terms of their culture.
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“From our perspective, we have an incredible amount of respect for it.
“It’s also a spectacle as well. It’s great to be a part of. You want to play the All Blacks because they’re the best team in the world. But you also want to play them because it’s a privilege to face something like that within our game.”
