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The haka has been criticised by some for being overly violent. David Davies/PA Archive/Press Association Images

Poll: Should the New Zealand haka be banned?

70% of the Australian public believe their rivals’ pre-match tradition should be done away with. Do you agree?

FEW PEOPLE WILL argue against the opinion that New Zealand were deserving winners against Australia last weekend.

However, one particular aspect of their victory seems to have bothered the Australian public.

It stems from criticism by Sydney Morning Herald columnist Paul Sheehan, suggesting the throat-slitting motion, with which New Zealand players currently choose to end the haka, is unacceptable.

And to add insult to this criticism, Sheehan – not at all bitter after Australia’s loss at the weekend – pointed out that “96 per cent of the world does not care about rugby” and wrote:

“Thankfully Australia’s hopes and passions are spread across multiple sports. We have already moved on from the World Cup. New Zealand must live and die with its All Blacks.”

It is the latest in a series of criticisms of the New Zealand haka, which suggest it should be banned, given that it is perceived to constitute unsporting behaviour.

So what so do you think? Does Sheehan have a point? Should the haka be banned?


Poll Results:

No, it should stay exactly the same. (506)
Yes, it should be gotten rid of completely. (336)
No, but it should be toned down. (95)
I don't know (26)

Watch New Zealand perform the haka against Australia below:

For more information, read the Sydney Morning Herald>

Read: Munster duo to miss Heineken Cup pool stages>

As it happened: Australia v Wales>

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10 Comments
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    Mute Keefe Horgan
    Favourite Keefe Horgan
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    May 20th 2015, 7:25 PM

    Harry Kane coming in couldn’t have helped

    79
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    Mute dontletitslip
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    May 20th 2015, 9:38 PM

    Jes*s lads I really hope none of you or your families suffer from depression or are affected by suicide, if thats the way you go on you won’t be getting much help from around you.
    Regardless of money or status depression will get you and many many incredibly successful people have committed suicide when the darkness gets too much.
    Not a time nor a place for idiot comments like above.

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    Mute James Dolan
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    May 21st 2015, 12:37 AM

    The very first comment I have ever agreed with you on.

    As Rio found out…money can only go so far.Felt heart broken for him ans his kids.

    So be happy if you are lucky enough to have your close loved ones healthy and happy.

    Mental health has an unhealthy stigma attached to it. If you cannot see it…it does not exist…

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    Mute dontletitslip
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    May 21st 2015, 8:02 AM

    Thanks James ;)

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    Mute Mike Spillane
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    May 20th 2015, 9:02 PM

    Probably after a transfer to another family.

    24
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    Mute Now or Never
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    May 20th 2015, 8:33 PM

    What a gowl, wanted to commit suicide over “problems” like that, go see a doc!!! Could do with considering what other poor people are going through, real problems!!!!

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    Mute James Dolan
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    May 21st 2015, 1:03 AM

    Now or never.

    Because having money solves all…doesn’t it?

    Rich have no problems…go see a Doc. All solved.

    Shocking.

    What is a little problem to someone maybe a big one to some one else. No one knows the inner workings of another ones mind.

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    Mute Anthony Connery
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    May 21st 2015, 1:19 AM

    All these boys with their comments are so brave hiding behind fake names!!

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    Mute kalpol
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    May 20th 2015, 8:54 PM

    Adebayor……. Adebayor….
    Your dads a drug dealer
    And your mothers a wh**e
    Adebayor….

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    Mute Cathal O'Connor
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    May 20th 2015, 9:03 PM

    Not really the place for this

    67
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    Mute David O Connor
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    May 20th 2015, 9:38 PM

    He didn’t even get it right. Having spent a lot of time hating him I’m actually starting to feel sorry for him. Adebayor that is, not this other idiot.

    36
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