When the Springboks lined up to face the All Blacks in Dunedin three years ago, as they will tomorrow, there was something very different about to happen that changed the face of the traditional New Zealand Haka forever.
Tana Umaga led the All Blacks as they revealed the Kapa O Pango to the world for the first time. It was a rousing and impassioned performance that will never be forgotten, and was has since been performed sporadically, but more commonly, on special occasions against feared opponents.
This performance in 2005 is considered one of the most memorable, not only as it was the first time we got to see the challenge, that was secretly rehearsed for weeks, but because of the way Umaga led it, giving chills down the spine for viewers around the world, let alone the awaiting Springboks.
The throat slitting action at the end has since been withdrawn after it sparked controversy for it’s violent, misunderstood message.
The final score on this day in Dunedin was 31-27 to the All Blacks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGazxnFhPH4
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