Max - despite my tongue in cheek response to bel's post in this thread, I never tire of watching the haka. Thanks for the magic link; always gets the hair standing on end!!
I've often wondered however how the "foe" should behave when the focus of a haka? Historically on the battle field and these days on the park.
The Wallabies usually adopt a respectful watching stance or sometimes go into a huddle and ignore the proceedings. Both seem reasonable but I recall a few years ago the Saffies roaring with laughter and pointing during the performance. I was appalled at this but understand that it was the boks' way of minimising the intimidatory effect.
I suspect historically the foe would give a return performance? Decades ago the Wallabies did just this; they performed an aboriginal style war dance. I've never seen footage of it but would be keen to bring it back.
stales
