A brief history of the Springboks vs the All Black haka
Reading time: 4 minutes
*This article contains multiple video clips, so it will be best to read using the Substack app or your browser. To do so, simply click on the heading.
With the Rugby World Cup final between the Springboks and the All Blacks looming, writing about anything other than rugby this week would be blasphemous.
If you love rugby, you can’t help but love the All Black haka - the most iconic ritual in all of sports. Although I’ve seen the haka countless times, my knowledge of its meaning and history was shallow. Thus, I did some research.
Originally a traditional Māori challenge of warriors to proclaim their strength and courage before battle, the haka was also used to celebrate, entertain and welcome visiting tribes. The renowned “Ka Mate” haka we know today was first done by an All Black team during their tour of the British Isles in 1905. It was composed in the early 19th century by Te Rauparaha, a war leader of the Ngāti Toa tribe, to celebrate his escape from death from pursuing enemies. He did so by hiding in a pit. When he emerged and saw the sun, he knew he had survived.
The Springboks first faced the haka in 1921, during the first official rugby union tests between these two rivals. The three-test series ended in a draw.
But in the early years, the haka wasn’t as ferocious and well-choreographed as it is today. In fact, it looked rather silly.
It remained a rather silly dance for years, as showcased by this video of the All Blacks doing the haka in 1954:
…and another one from 1973:
Before 1986, the haka was reserved almost exclusively for games outside New Zealand. But after they introduced it for home games, the precision and intensity improved, as you can see from the haka against France at Eden Park (Auckland) before the 1987 Rugby World Cup final:
My first memory of the haka is from the 1995 Rugby World Cup, hosted by South Africa. I was ten years old, and the tournament was the pinnacle of my life up until that point.
By the time the Springboks met the All Blacks in the final, the men in black had - thanks to the likes of Jonah Lomu - upped the vigour of the Ka Mate to a different realm.
From there, things escalated even more.
I was a university student when the Springboks played the All Blacks in Dunedin in 2005. It was a massive game - the decider of that year’s Tri-Nations series. On a Saturday morning, along with a bunch of mates, I nervously sat in front of the TV, coffee in hand, ready for the big game to start. But as the All Blacks lined up for the pre-game ritual, I noticed an unusual fire in their eyes.
What followed is best described as a rugby exorcism. For the first time, the All Blacks unleashed the “Kapa O Pango”, led by Tana Umaga. He and the rest of the team became a group of men possessed by demons. The game had been elevated from sport to war.
After that, you knew the Springboks were in trouble. They lost a bone-crunching battle 31-27.
Kapa o Pango (roughly translated as “team in black”) was developed specifically for the All Black rugby team and was written and choreographed by an expert in Māori culture and customs. It was meant to reflect the multicultural makeup of contemporary New Zealand.
Although the All Blacks alternate between doing the Ka Mate and Kapa o Pango, it has only been the Kapa o Pango thus far at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. They’ve added extra spice to it too, performing it with a hoe, a traditional Māori wooden paddle.
As I browsed old haka videos on YouTube, one stood out more than most.
After South Africa's international sports ban was lifted following the end of apartheid, the Springboks played the All Blacks in Johannesburg in 1992, marking their return to international rugby. What stood out was not the haka, but how insanely different South Africa was only 30 years ago. The lack of diversity of the team and its supporters and the 1000s of orange, white and blue flags. The vibe was kak.
The country and team for Saturday’s game are from a different planet. They are led by the inspiring, charismatic and Mandela-like Siya Kolisi. They are diverse and united. Tough and calm under pressure. Professional, but colourful. They are laser-focused on the mission. They are supported in both the townships and the suburbs. The Gwijo Squad follows them, chanting songs of support. They epitomise how far South Africa has come since the 90s.
South Africa is a mix of struggle and excellence. The Bokke have embodied this during the World Cup. Regardless of what happens on Saturday, Siya, his team and the South African supporters have left me inspired.
That said, another four years as world champions would be incredible. Enjoy the haka and the game. It promises to be another classic clash of the titans.
Go Bokke!
If you enjoyed today’s article, please SHARE it ✉️ with a friend.
Otherwise, please LIKE it ❤️.