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:
Watch New Zealand perform the haka against Australia below:
4 and 1/2 games, already qualified. Record breaking and relentless. The forerunners of Irish rugby for the last decade and showing no sign of slowing down
Ye Leinster are pretty good
Leinster are just so bloody good. They’re halfway to a bonus point against the premiership leaders after seven minutes! Incredible team
That’s the ticket. Push on and show a ruthless side for the second half. 1/4 final spot with 2games in hand at the moment. Pure Blue class.
Will they ever give contepomi a chair to sit on?
Quality start to the game from Leinster. Few teams can live with them when they turn on the power.
What’s with all the booing though!!
@Eddie Hekenui: it was against the ref for allowing the second Northampton try because it looked like blatant obstruction to me. Some idiots were booing when biggar came off which was not cool. The problem with these games is you get a lot of people out for a Christmas do, mouldy drunk and with no actual interest in the game.
Leinster are barely out of third gear and Northampton make them look like world beaters. Competition rugby standards is poor this year. Shocking from Saints. Tom Wood a shadow of himself.
When did BO’D get the Union Jack tattooed on his butt? Seems to have forsaken his blue eyes for red white and blue?
He who pays the piper?
@Sean Malone: damned if he do damned if he don’t.