Haka: It’s a challenge

THE All Blacks have arrived on Irish soil for matches against Ireland and Munster.

And that means fans at Croke Park on Saturday next and Thomond Park on Tuesday will see at first hand the famed Haka, the Maori war dance indulged in by All New Zealand teams for well over a century.

In 1989, Irish captain Willie Anderson led his players forward until the players were almost snout to snout. A knees-up before the kick-off was only narrowly avoided.

Paul O’Connell says he won’t let it get to him. “It’s a fabulous part of the game and a tradition. It’s been there for years. They say it’s not meant to intimidate, it’s meant to be a challenge, and that’s what you have to take it up as. At least, that’s what Rua (Tipoki), Dougie (Howlett), Mafs (Lifiemi Mafi), tell us.”