ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Friday Apr 16, 2021

'It's part of our culture' says Haka performing South African university team

The latest footage of a South African university team performing a pre-match Haka has caused somewhat of a mixed reaction online, with some citing “cultural appropriation”.  The Walter Sisulu University captain has now explained the motivation behind it. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Just before kick-off in their FNB Varsity Shield matches, the university have taken to performing a Haka that is almost an exact replica of what the All Blacks perform. They did it again on Monday before facing the Durban University of Technology.

While there are many versions of Haka’s in New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, the Ka Mate and Kapa o Pango are unique to the national team, the All Blacks.

So why is this South African university side, WSU, performing it? Captain Litha Nkula spoke to VarsityCup.co.za to explain why.

“When I arrived at WSU, our late coach Sipho Metula told us stories about how this team got to mobilise and use New Zealand rugby players as icons within the team,” he explained.

WATCH: A hooker is making serious waves at a Varsity competition with his lethal speed

With many of the players admiring the All Blacks since the 2015 Rugby World Cup win, a former player suggested that they perform a haka to motivate the team, but it was initially just done as a post-match celebration.

“The players wanted to bring in the haka because they admired the way the All Blacks play. The players took the initiative to try and understand why the All Blacks do it.

“We chose the haka because of the style of rugby that we play. We hold ourselves to the standard of New Zealand rugby, we want to play like them. The haka entertains us but also brings that seriousness before a game.

ADVERTISEMENT

“It has become part of our culture. We explain to new players that come in why it is done and how it influences us as a team. That’s why we feel that we can’t play without it; it’s part of our team culture, even though we adopted it from New Zealand.”

Nkula says there is no disrespect intended.

“We’re doing it in a respectful manner and trying to bring confidence to our players. We would have done something else but because of the way that it has influenced us as a team, it’s not something we want to change.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We do listen to what people out there say, but we don’t see ourselves stopping the haka unless New Zealand says it’s disrespectful.”

While many online have suggested that it’s comical that they do that instead of an actual traditional South African war dance, Nkula says they do have their own elements from their own culture.

“It’s not that we don’t do anything from our traditions or cultures; we also sing Amagwijo before a game, during practice, and on our way to the game. The haka is just influential to us.”

This week a New Zealand Rugby spokesman told Newshub that despite its intellectual property being imitated, as long as the haka is performed with respect and understanding, there is no issue.

Comments




Related Articles

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Brilliant footage shows old school...

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Crazy scenes as player deliberately kicks...

  • 72 WEEKS AGO

    Jokester has field day with Chris Latham's...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wild scenes in Toulouse as Portugal seal last gasp comeback win over Fiji

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Theo Dan in the centre of 'punch' storm as possible infringement missed

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Compilation video shows Jamie George's surprising box of tricks

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones reported to have negotiated return to Japan national side

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Rees Zammit hits Olympic level as 100m sprint time is officially finally released

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out of Sexton on plane intercom

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Brilliant video of Andy Farrell readying the Irish troops for battle

View All

Amateur

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 20 HOURS AGO

    Transfer News: George North to take considerable talents to France

  • 21 HOURS AGO

    Tom Foley takes break from officiating international matches following death threats

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    James Haskell shares thoughts on 'best mate' Owen Farrell

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    The key change Steve Borthwick has made to England squad selection

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Siya Kolisi opens up about stabbing incident in powerful interview with Dan Biggar

View All