The final haka: All Blacks’ emotional Baltimore farewell [video]

The All Blacks delivered their final Haka in the Greatest Rivalry series at the packed M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, the US.

While the New Zealand national team may have lost the inaugural series, they have shared many memorable moments in South Africa, and amongst their South African rivals and fans.

One includes former AB Ma’a Nonu, now playing for the Sharks, who responded to the team with his own performance, as a gesture of goodwill, respect, and admiration for his country and culture.

GREATEST RIVALRY’S FINAL HAKA

With All Blacks captain Ardie Savea ruled out through injury, Codie Taylor captained New Zealand in Baltimore against the Springboks squad.

The Haka was led by the 35-year-old, who performed the Kapa o Pango version of the ceremonial song and dance.

It was a particularly touching scene, given that the All Blacks played the Springboks in the US for the first time.

The New Zealand team has performed the Haka eight times during the series, before each Springbok test match and four provincial matches against the Sharks, Bulls, Lions and Stormers.

After the final whistle blew in Baltimore, signalling South Africa’s 43-28 victory, the All Blacks linked arms with the Boks as they joined their rivals for their own match tradition, kneeling in prayer after each game.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ALL BLACKS PERFORMANCE?

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.