Springbok coach Jake White has admitted that he is discussing the idea of his team performing a version of an old Zulu war dance similar to the All Blacks’ haka.
“We are closer to tradition with ours than the New Zealanders are with theirs. The history books show that the 1926 Springboks performed a Zulu war dance in major matches on their tour.
“I have thought about it and have asked the presidents what they think. It is being discussed.
“New Zealand have come up with a new haka recently and, quite honestly, I would like to use ours as a challenge to them.
“We have done this challenge before in our team room in the four years since I have been involved as coach, but it hasn’t really taken off as an idea to do it in public. Not yet, anyway.
“There is no doubt in my mind it is a motivational tool. Under the new haka, the players walk towards you now and can advance 6 metres. But where did that rule come from, where is it written?
“I have heard old All Blacks sit in the grandstand and pick up the whole mood of the team just from the haka the players perform.
“All I am saying is that maybe it is time we revived a genuine tradition from the past of South African rugby when we performed a Zulu war dance. This is no gimmick – it is a part of our rugby history and tradition,” concluded White.
Rather save it for next year when 3/4 of the team will be Zulu anyway.
I could see Graham Henry’s face when I took the lift. He had chosen one of his best teams against us but there was doubt. The spectators must have been wondering after 60 minutes whether they were watching the mighty All Blacks. I think the pressure is starting to have an effect on them – JW