Rugby World Cup 2011; From New Zealand to the World

The Rugby World Cup 2011 just started. During this six-week event, 20 teams will play and fight to become the World Champions. This is the seventh Rugby World Cup and the second held in New Zealand that also organized the inaugural tournament in 1987; the last time the All Blacks won the title. 24 years have passed since then and New Zealanders believe they can win the tournament this time and get a much needed morale boost, after the Pike River mining accident and last year's earthquake in Christchurch.

The organisers expect 95,000 visitors from overseas to travel to New Zealand for the event. International Rugby Board Chairman Bernard believes that "this world cup will be fantastic because this is not just Rugby World Cup for the New Zealand people. It will be the Rugby World Cup for all countries." This tournament is not just an important sport competition; it is also an occasion to celebrate the different cultures and countries that will get involved in the event. It will also provide a wonderful excuse to learn more about New Zealand, its history and the influence of the Maori culture.

What Does Haka Mean?

We have all seen the All Black performing the haka before every game but many of us don’t really know the meaning of the dance or what they are saying. The Haka is a traditional Maori dance from New Zealand. According to the the legend, the Haka was created by Tane-rore, the child of Tama-nui-to-ra, the god of the sun, and one of his two wives, Hine-raumati, the maid of summer. Tane-rore is said to be seen in the quivering air that you sometimes see on a hot day. This is why the hands quiver during the dance.

The word "haka" simply means a dance, or a song accompanied by dance. There are many different types of Haka, each which have a different meaning and place in New Zealand culture. Each word and movement has a specific meaning. The haka can be used to tell a story, to prepare for battle, to welcome people, or as a celebration. It can be performed by men, women and children. The various types of haka include whakatu waewae, tutu ngarahu and peruperu. War haka (peruperu) was originally performed by warriors before a battle to intimidate the opposition. The most well known haka is called "Ka Mate", a ceremonial haka that was composed by Te Rauparaha, war leader of the Ngāti Toa tribe of the North Island of New Zealand. The lyrics are:

All Blacks Haka

The Haka was adopted by the NZNRU (New Zealand National Rugby Union) and performed by them at every local and international match since 1906. They usually perform the Ka Mate haka but sometimes they compose others for specific tours. During their 1924-25 European tour, they created a special haka called "Ko Niu Tireni" (New Zealand storm). In 2005 in Dunedin, the All Blacks introduced a new haka, "Kapa o Pango" that featured an extended and aggressive introduction by team captain who was, at some point, drawing of the thumb down the throat.  During their November, 2006 tour of France, French coach Bernard Laporte requested New Zealand not to perform Kapa o Pango claiming that it was not good for the promotion of the sport.

In spite of some controversies, the All Blacks haka has become a totemic demonstration of national pride that shows the way New Zealand has embraced the Maori culture. For New Zealanders, All Blacks are genuine representatives of their culture and national identity. The former All Black player, Ali Williams, said that during the haka, players asked to draw the spirits of their ancestors from the ground to stand behind them and assist them in battle. All Black John Lomu said "there is an aura about it....you can't really put your finger on it, not even as players....when I do it, I feel the presence of past and present All Blacks behind me, spiritually".

Whick Haka wiil they perform during this World Cup? We just have to wait, see and enjoy this wonderful and ancient ritual.