Ka Mate, Ka Mate, Ka Ora', Ka Ora'

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Ka Mate, Ka Mate, Ka Ora’, Ka Ora’

Sam Asfahani, Nouse’s man in New Zealand, assesses the cultural significance of the Rugby World Cup and looks back on some of the tournament’s opening matches

Tuesday 13 September 2011

The Haka, the Maori war dance that means so much to the people of New Zealand. Image: Riv via Flickr Creative Commons

Sitting in a bar off Queen’s Street in Auckland, I couldn’t feel more English. While my two Welsh companions were getting stopped for photos and hugs, I was getting heckled and jeered.

Yet it was during the national anthems of New Zealand and Tonga that I showed how British I am. I stood and showed respect as the anthems were sung. Yet the Kiwis in the bar didn’t seem to pay much attention. Some watched, some sang along, most continued to natter away. And while I was trying to comprehend this attitude that had offended me, the teams were getting ready for the Haka and the Sipi Tau.

This is where I saw the error in my judgement. This is where the New Zealanders suddenly stood to attention. The Haka is more than a war cry, it is an embedded part of the All Black culture that Kiwis are obsessed with. After the Tongan Sipi Tau there was applause for what one Maori described as his brothers. Then the Haka. The silence. The lead from Piri Weepu. The anger. The aggression. The meaning. What is little more than entertaining to us in Britain, is inspiring and moving to Maoris and Whites alike in New Zealand.

Move away from the controversial debate about whether the Haka provides an unfair advantage and instead try to understand its importance to the people of New Zealand. Those around me during the match would rather give up their national anthem than the Haka.

Since 1905, All Blacks have been calling on their ancestors to rise up and give them strength. Analysts who are aiming for the Haka to be banned are not calling for the removal of an unfair sporting advantage, http://nouse.co.uk/2011/09/13/ka-mate-ka-mate-ka-ora-ka-ora Archived 11 Dec 2018 02:18:01 Nouse Web Archives Ka Mate, Ka Mate, Ka Ora’, Ka Ora’ Page 2 of 3 but the removal of a cultural and personal tradition stretching over a century.

For me it would be as ridiculous as stopping English fans from singing Swing Low, or the Welsh singing Bread of Heaven. And why are there no calls for Pacific Island equivalents such as the Tongan Sipi Tau to be banned?

Make no mistake, New Zealand do not keep winning because of the Haka, they keep winning because they are the world’s best.

Reports:

England 13 v Argentine 9

Ben Youngs came off the bench to score the winning try as England came from behind to beat Argentina in their opening World Cup match.

In a sloppy, scrappy game, England were lucky to come away with the 13-9 victory but are now in prime position to win Pool B.

There were an astonishing 10 missed penalties, as neither Jonny Wilkinson nor Argentine kicker Rodriguez seemed able to cope with the situation.

Argentina just took the game to England who, in contrast, seemed lethargic and uninterested. They were penalised repeatedly at the breakdown, due both to their own indiscipline and to referee Bryce Lawrence’s strict enforcement of the rules.

Young’s try, on 68 minutes, seemed to drain the energy from the South American side and, in the end, England wrapped up the win fairly comfortably. But huge improvements are needed if they hope to progress far in the tournament.

New Zealand 41 v Tonga 10

Kiwis were surprisingly disappointed with the result as Israel Dagg and Richard Kahui scored two tries each. Sonny Bill Williams (not too liked down here) also silenced some of his critics with a sold performance creating good chances.

Scotland 34 v Romania 24

Scotland were given a run for their money with a plucky performance from Romania, perhaps showing they are a contender to join the 6 nations. Ultimately terrible defending from Romania’s backline let down a great performance from their forwards, of whom Tincu was the star.

Fiji 49 v Namibia 25

A great game full of fun facts such as the first Fijian to score hat-trick in the RWC, Vereneki Goneva (he put 4 away to be sure). Would have been an interesting watch for Wales as Fiji show they will be no pushover.

France 47 v Japan 21

I was lucky enough to be at this match with the plucky Pacific Nations Champions deserving a better result against France. Moments of genius from MOTM James Arlidge (…the Kiwi who plays in Wales) inspired Japan. My favourite was his dummy grubber kick try, watch the highlight.

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