Former All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu’s performance of the Haka against the team he once played for was a gesture of goodwill, respect, and admiration for his country and culture.
It was a very last-minute decision, the now-Sharks player has revealed.
The New Zealand team beat the Durban club 54-0 in a rainy, cold match on Tuesday, 11 August, at Kings Park Stadium.
MA’A NONU ON PERFORMING THE HAKA
Speaking to SkySports, Ma’a Nonu – who joined the Sharks earlier this month in a development role – explained the significance of his responding to the All Blacks Haka, with his own.
The 44-year-old made his debut for the ABs in 2003 and boasts 103 test caps.
He said: “It was great to see the boys. To play against them for the first time was such a privilege and honour. To do the Haka and show my respect on behalf of my family to the boys and the team I love them and I will always love”.
“It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. I had questions about it the night before.
“I spoke to Tana and Tamati [Umaga] and Tamati [Ellison] and asked them for permission in terms of doing it out of respect on behalf of our team and my family.
“I thought it was the right thing to do to answer the boys and the All Blacks”.
@skysportnz
A familiar face on the other side 👀🏉 Justin Marshall caught up with Ma'a Nonu after the All Blacks' clash with the Sharks. ♬ original sound – skysportnz
ALL BLACKS FANS ARE MOVED TO TEARS
On social media, All Blacks fans have shared their emotional response to Ma’a Nonu’s unexpected performance of the Haka.
Many revealed that they watched the now 42-year-old represent play for the country, and were privileged to watch him play against it, with love and respect.
“What he gave was ultimate respect and recognition”, commented one fan under an All Blacks social media post.
Others responded:
“As an AB fan, New Zealand patriot and Maori, I think this is awesome!”
“Once an All Black, always an All Black. He’s still our brother”
“You didn’t need permission to do the Haka. You will always belong to us”.
@jefferson.sacramento #fyp credit @Julian Shaw ♬ original sound – Lina <3
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ALL BLACKS’ HAKA?
Wearing a Sharks jersey, Ma’a Nonu performed a solo version of the Haka -the Kapa o Pango version in response to the All Blacks’ Ka Mate.
According to fans, this was not merely him indicating that the Sharks were accepting the All Blacks’ challenge, but his declaration that he was and is a proud All Black.
The Haka dates back centuries as a traditional Māori ceremonial performance used on occasions to welcome guests, celebrate achievements, mourn loved ones, and show strength and unity.
It was first performed by the All Blacks during their historic 1905 British tour.
The Kapa o Panga version was developed specifically for the national team, signifying their “pride, unity, and purpose.”
