Poll: Should the New Zealand haka be banned?

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?

Watch New Zealand perform the haka against Australia below:

For more information, read the Sydney Morning Herald>

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