Aussie pundit stirs up Haka controversy

THE All Blacks need to dump the throat-slitting gesture at the end of the Kapa O Pango haka as it reminds people the “Maoris (sic) once engaged in unspeakable conduct”, according to an Australian commentator.

Sydney Morning Herald columnist Paul Sheehan believes that “the violence suggested by throat-slitting gestures has no place in sport or sportsmanship, especially in the national colours”.

In an opinion piece about simple gestures meaning a lot in the ultra-competitive world of sports, Sheehan says that “just before kick-off the All Blacks will perform the greatest ritual in world sport, the Haka”.