All Blacks see the humour in ‘Hakarena’ video

The All Blacks have refused to be provoked by a humorous take on the All Black
Haka by former England scrum-half Matt Dawson and said they are focusing on
Argentina in their opening match.

England World Cup winner Dawson performs the “hakarena” which with
some team mates with a cheeky smile on his face.

In a video clip he urges England fans to use it to counter the supposed benefits
the All Blacks get from the pre-match ritual.

It follows a scathing outburst from former All Black Ali Williams who said
it will be “a dark day” if hosts England win the World Cup and he
described their home ground Twickenham as “the most hostile stadium there
is”.

But the off-field insults were brushed aside by the All Blacks who said they
were there strictly for the rugby with their campaign starting against Argentina
on Sunday.

Seasoned campaigner Keven Mealamu, a close friend of Williams, said the former
lock was not reflecting the views of other All Blacks who had played with him
at Twickenham.

“That’s his own thoughts,” Mealamu a 126-Test veteran hooker said
while surrounded by props Charlie Faumuina and Wyatt Crockett.

He described the All Blacks rivalry with England as “awesome” and
said there was “a lot of mutual respect.”

On Dawson’s jibe at the haka Mealamu, who is of Samoan descent, said it was
“quite funny” seeing the haka mixed with the dance from the 1994 Spanish
hit song ‘Macarena’.

“It’s obvious it’s something he’s looked at. The haka is part of what
we do but it’s not actually what we do as a rugby team when we go out there
to play the game.”

Under intense questioning from European media, Mealamu acknowledged the haka
was a special part of New Zealand’s culture.

When asked if Dawson should have shown more respect, Mealamu said: “It
is his view on the way he sees it. We’ve heard a bit about it but we’re just
looking forward to playing Argentina.”

Faumuina said he was not concerned with the off-field jibes and the haka was
something dear to the All Blacks which they did for themselves.

“I don’t think it worries us too much what people are trying to do.”