No apologies for haka

Published: 3:44PM Sunday November 23, 2008 Source: AAP/NZPA

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The message is clear to sides contemplating trying to unnerve New Zealand players during their pre-match haka - don't bother.

Three times in three weeks with three different approaches opposing players have tried to put off the Kiwis during their war dance but it has only had a temporary effect.

The Kiwis are still winning.

They stunned Australia to claim a 34-20 rugby league World Cup win in Brisbane on Saturday night after the Kangaroos made a line formation and marched towards them prompting eye-to-eye confrontations.

The All Blacks rugby team mauled Wales 29-9 in Cardiff on Saturday night after the Welsh refused to disperse after the haka, resulting in a three-minute standoff until the referee ordered both teams to move.

And the England rugby league team in Newcastle three weeks ago formed a huddle well away and refused to face the Kiwis in a move which angered the New Zealanders and resulted in a 36-24 defeat.

Amazingly, in each game the opposition led at halftime but failed to kick on with the result.

Australia led 16-12, Wales were up 9-6 and England were ahead 24-14 before the Kiwis ran riot in the second period.

The confrontation between the Kiwis and Kangaroos in the World Cup decider at Suncorp Stadium in front of 50,599 fans has been lauded as enthralling pre-match entertainment.

"At least they faced us," said Kiwi star Benji Marshall, referring to England's tactic of turning their backs on the haka.

"I think it was great. It was great for TV, it pumped us all up that little bit extra.

"It didn't spill into the game. Everyone played the final in a good spirit and we came away with a win."

Young hooker Issac Luke loved the moment almost as much as celebrating his country's first World Cup victory.

"The haka is a challenge and they challenged us back," said the 21-year-old Hawera-born rake.

"The Wolfman (David Williams) was right in my face.

"They started walking forward so me and Adam Blair started marching and all the boys got up in their faces.

"It was awesome."

Welsh rugby players claimed a minor victory over the All Blacks when they refused to move after the visitors performed the Kapa O Pango in front of 74,067 raucous fans.

South African referee Jonathan Kaplan had to manhandle All Blacks players from their formation near halfway and the Welsh only moved after Kiwi captain Richie McCaw instructed his players to end the stalemate.

"It's something we came up with during the week, essentially what we were trying to show is it's our stadium, our fans and we weren't prepared to give up the ground," explained Wales' captain Ryan Jones.

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