Aussie coach hits out at new NZ haka
Aussie coach hits out at new NZ haka
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Thursday, 27, Jul 2006 10:08
Australia coach John Connolly has criticised the All-Blacks revised haka for sending out the wrong message to fans with its apparent "throat-slitting" finale.
Connolly was speaking in the build-up to Saturday's Tri-nations showdown between the two sides in Brisbane and his comments are sure to raise tensions ahead of the crucial game.
"As custodians of the game, we are continually talking about setting an example to young players and throat-slitting probably doesn't send a good message," he said.
"Young sportsmen these days copy the Wallabies, they copy the All Blacks and I'd hate to think it led to a tragic consequence down the road."
New Zealand's assistant coach Wayne Smith denied that the Kapa O Pango version of the pre-match ritual that was introduced last August was worthy of such controversy.
"It's been reviewed pretty thoroughly by the (NZ Rugby) Board from outside the team and everyone has been comfortable with it at this stage," he said. "It's an over-reaction. It's a sporting contest."
In Maori culture the gesture signifies the transfer of energy to the body rather than anything more sinister.
The spat comes after the previous game between the two sides was preceded by heated comments over an Australian television advert that placed computer-generated handbags in the arms of the All-Blacks while they laid down their traditional challenge.