#59 All Blacks Rugby Game
While there is no “official” stadium for the All Blacks, they play in various arenas in New Zealand and throughout the world. Their season begins on June 13, 2009 and runs through December. There is a lot of history involved with the sport of rugby and with some of the traditions used during the game. Because the season is starting this week, I though it would be fun to provide you with some history as well as some tips for the upcoming season.
Origin of the Haka
According to Maori ethos, Tama-nui-to-ra, the Sun God, had two wives, Hine-raumati, the Summer maid, and Hine-takurua, the Winter maid. The child born to him and Hine-raumati was Tane-rore, who is redited with the origin of the dance. Tane-rore is the trembling of the air as seen on the hot days of summer, and represented by the quivering of the hands in the dance.
Haka is the generic name for Maori dance. Today, haka is defined as that part of the Maori dance repertoire where the men are to the fore with the women lending vocal support in the rear. Most haka seen today are haka taparahi, haka without weapons.
More than any aspect of Maori culture, this complex dance is an expression of the passion, vigour and identity of the race. Haka is not merely a past time of the Maori, but was also a custom of high social importance in the welcoming and entertainment of visitors. Tribal reputation rose and fell on their ability to perform the haka (Hamana Mahuika).
Haka reflected the concerns and issues of the time, of defiance and protest, of factual occurrences and events at any given time.
Haka History
The centrality of the haka within All Black rugby tradition is not a recent development. Since the original “All Black” team of “New Zealand Natives” led by Joseph Warbrick the haka has been closely associated with New Zealand rugby. Its mystique has evolved along with the fierce determination, commitment and high level skill which has been the hallmark of New Zealand’s National game.
The haka adds a unique component, derived from the indigenous Maori of New Zealand, and which aligns with the wider Polynesian cultures of the Pacific.
The All Blacks perform the haka with precision and intensity which underpin the All Black approach.
Significance of the All Blacks Rugby Game
The New Zealand National Rugby team, also known as the All Blacks, is recognized worldwide for its dominance and it ranks at the top of international rugby teams. Established in 1884, the All Blacks boast a winning record against all opposing teams throughout the world. They have held the Rugby World Cup while holding multiple World Cup records. The All Blacks compete every year against the Wallabies, the Australian Rugby Team, and South Africa’s Springboks in the Tri Nations Series. They also face Australia annually for the Bledisloe Cup. They are the 2006 International Rugby Board (IRB) Team of the Year and many team members hold membership in the IRB Hall of Fame.
Wellington provides an exciting and unique atmosphere for an All Black game. Game against the Wallabies or Springboks show the competitive nature between New Zealand and those countries. Simply put, the games are guaranteed excitement with All Black fans at their most fanatical. Australia is just across “the ditch,” South Africa provides strong opposition, making the competitive match one of the better to attend.
Sports Travel Insider’s Edge
Best way to watch the action:
Check the schedule to see when the All Blacks play their neighborly rivals, Australia. No matter how entertaining the game may be, the fans will be that much more entertaining with their cheers and jeers. This is All Blacks at its best!
Best place to get up close:
With the famed shape of the Westpac Trust Stadium, there is not a bad view in the “Cake Tine.” Wearing the opposing team’s colors is not recommended and could be hazardous to your health. In other words, wear all black. Get there early for the traditional haka (Maori posture dance) before each match.
Best travel tip:
Make sure you extend your stay amd afford yourself ample time to explore the beautiful country of New Zealand. Many who have never been there are amazed by New Zealand’s pure beauty.
One Comments on “#59 All Blacks Rugby Game”
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All Blacks v Wallabies in a Bledisloe at Eden Park or Sydney is the best bet. Definetly a must see!
