Last nights RWC quarter-final between New Zealand and Ireland was a match to remember, with some class rugby played by both sides.

It was also a timely reminder to non-AB fans around the world:

DON’T mess with the Haka!

It just pisses off the All-Blacks and THAT motivates them like nothing else.

The natural response for teams (and fans) facing the psychological power of the Haka performance, is sometimes to attempt to shout it down, which is what happened last night, when Irish fans – in a spirited and united chorus – drowned out the Haka performance by the All-Blacks, with a rendition of “Fields of Athenry”.

…and that was a BIG mistake!

90 minutes later, the All Blacks had stomped all over Ireland’s hopes of making the semi-finals, with a crushing 46-14 victory – Ireland’s largest defeat in a World Cup match since their 43–19 defeat to New Zealand in 1995.

For the benefit of my Irish Friends, I therefore offer the following YouTube Link, to explain the true meaning of the Haka and what it means to all Kiwis.

…maybe next time, it might be an idea to just say nothing, and enjoy the spectacle.

+71