Facing the Haka
Let's face facts. Not many people know how to face up to the Haka. It's a confrontational, aggressive, huge beginning to a game.
T
here's been all kinds of average responses to it over the years, from hiding and huddling in a corner, to manning up and facing it courageously in vain.
I'm thinking though, none has been so smart as the French response. To man up, right on the line, close to the All Blacks, and wearing from left to right the red, white and blue, right there, in the face of the te wehi, the awesome power.
The Dropkicks picked it, and think it may well have been the greatest response ever to a Haka. Respect, from one rugby playing nation to another.
Because... well, because... in those last eight minutes it was like the Tricolore itself defended you, against the might of the All Blacks. That line that didn't break.
Doesn't make us any less pissed off, but respect, all the same.
- reply
Tuesday, 09 Oct 2007 — Anonymousi'm sure you've read it already, but if not here is a shocking article from The Times about the All Blacks. I'm a springbok fan, and i thought it was a disgraceful. I respect the fact that you guys at dropkicks have shown class by not ranting about the loss, instead handled it like men. Owen
http://timesonline.typepad.com/rugby/2007/10/new-zealand-exi.html
- reply
Tuesday, 09 Oct 2007 — HadynAh, Mr Stephen Jones and friends, they get a mention in this weeks cast.
- reply
Tuesday, 09 Oct 2007 — Triple Twhat a sentimental bloody post that was triple t... i blame whisky galore.
- reply
Tuesday, 09 Oct 2007 — AnonymousExcellent post and excellent way to approach the Haka. If only all NZ's opponents were as worthy of respect
- reply
Wednesday, 10 Oct 2007 — AnonymousThat Times column is disgraceful. England have a blinder of a game against the Ockers & Souster can only find it in his black soul to denigrate the ABs.
Mind you, if anyone is qualified to write about bad sportsmanship, I guess it is him.
Jones OTOH makes me ashamed to be Welsh, if my dad had lived long enough, there would surely have been letters to editors taking the guy to task for being an apologist for England. How times have changed.
llew
Post new comment