France Uses the Haka
Sure this is late, but important Haka news is always relevant. Did you read about how France shined a mirror on the Haka and got the French announcers to speak all passionate like before the French went on to shock the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup quarters? From the AP:
Before Saturday's match, veteran flanker Serge Betsen thought it would be a good idea to show France meant business. So the players lined up right in the faces of the All Blacks during their aggressive pre-match ritual.
"We wanted to show we were ready. The haka was a big moment. It was a way of challenging them face to face," France prop Pieter De Villiers said Sunday. "Certain players told me that some of the All Blacks looked away or lowered their eyes. In a way that was comforting. It hurt them mentally."
France manager Jo Maso said that he and coach Bernard Laporte accepted it was a risky move, but let the players go ahead because it showed they were highly motivated.
"They asked to do it and we said 'OK, as long as it stays respectful and not a provocation"', Maso said. "It's fantastic that they took the initiative to do this. It's not every day that you confront the haka."
I still say if the Redskins defense en masse did some Soulja Boy, other teams would look away or lower their eyes. Especially if Matt Sinclair were involved.
By Dan Steinberg |
October 10, 2007; 11:14 AM ET
| Category:
Rugby
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Posted by: Mischa | October 10, 2007 11:48 AM
ok that was way cool
Posted by: | October 10, 2007 12:03 PM
No comment about the dude who looks like he just came out of the Ardennes Forest for France?
That man is just as scary as anything the Haka does.
And yeah, Soulja needs to happen. I mean, holy crap, the haka is amazing. I think I've watched every haka clip on YouTube already.
Posted by: DC Centurion's Shield | October 10, 2007 01:49 PM
You must mean Chabal.
Just look at his official photo on the RWC site. Remember, "official photo".
Posted by: B.A. | October 10, 2007 01:57 PM
Where in Bethesda or DC can we watch the France/Britain rugby match this weekend?
October 12-13
Posted by: karen levy | October 13, 2007 12:32 AM
The comments to this entry are closed.
Or Shawn Taylor could just sacrifice (with a hard hit) some kid from the practice squad during warm-ups. Jordan Palmer anyone? I mean, we did spend a draft pick on him, least he could do is take one for the team.