All Blacks’ Haka brings Ellis Park to a standstill [video]

At the request of Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus, the All Blacks performed the Haka to a quiet, respectful crowd at Ellis Park.

The warcry set the scene for New Zealand’s 33-16 defeat in the first of four test matches in the Greatest Rivalry series.

WATCH: ALL BLACKS PERFORM HAKA TO QUIET CROWD

Ahead of the match, Springboks captain Rassie Erasmus repeatedly called on South Africans to show the All Blacks respect as they performed their traditional Haka warcry ahead of each match.

Boks fans at Ellis Park stadium gladly complied, watching the New Zealand team, who challenged their South African rivals in song.

The Haka was led by 35-year-old Codie Taylor, who led the team with the Kapa o Pango version of the ceremonial dance.

Watch the performance below…

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NEW ZEALAND WARCRY?

The Haka –  which involves chanting, movement, facial expressions and rhythmic stamping – dates back centuries as a traditional Māori ceremonial performance used to welcome guests, celebrate achievements, mourn loved ones, and show strength and unity.

The All Blacks first performed it during their historic 1905 British tour.

The Kapa o Panga version was developed specifically for the national team, signifying their “pride, unity, and purpose.” It was first performed by player-turned-assistant coach Tana Umaga against the Springboks in 2005 in Dunedin

While the Haka is Māori in origin, it can be performed by New Zealanders of different ethnic backgrounds, particularly in sporting teams and schools.

For the All Blacks, the squad comprises Māori, Pasifika, European/New Zealand, and other backgrounds. All players participate when the team performs the Haka, although 

Māori players may have a particularly personal cultural connection to it.

New players are taught the haka when they join the All Blacks, and the team periodically works with a haka tutor to refine it.

Non-Māori may perform and even lead the song, but are required to educate themselves on its cultural context. The leader of the Haka is known as the kaea and is typically a senior member of the team who commands respect and leadership amongst his peers.