The haka is undoubtedly one of rugby's most popular traditions. The Maori war dance is always captivating, but sometimes the response to the New Zealand challenge takes everything to a whole new level.
Some teams have refused to budge, others have responded with a wry grin, others still have even walked straight up to the Blacks to look them in the eye. One side even responded with their own war dance at the same time!
These are the creme de la creme of haka responses. Let us know your favourite haka responses in the comments section below..
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5. A taste of their own medicine - Tonga
Picture the scene. It's the 2003 World Cup and New Zealand are about to face Tonga. Kiwi icon Carlos Spencer is leading the haka. In quite brilliant fashion, the Tongans clap back with their own battle dance, 'Sipi Tau'.
The All Blacks haven't even finished 'Ka Mate' when the Tongans roll in with their challenge. The suspense is absolutely electrifying as the two teams are literally screaming at each other, barely ten feet apart.
The atmosphere in the ground is awe-inspiring. A cacophony of whistling, chanting and singing creates this astonishing scene which makes for unbelievable viewing.
However, it wasn't to be for the Tongans that day, as they were put to the sword by a quite formidable All Black side, losing 91-7. New Zealand would eventually fall short in the semi-final against Australia, but the Tongans earned the respect of rugby fans across the globe for this magnificent effort.
4. Anderson's March - Ireland
The oldest challenge on this list, and perhaps a pioneer of haka challenges in its own right, is Willie Anderson's incredible V-shaped march towards Wayne Shelford's All Blacks in 1989.
Anderson, who was skipper of Ireland, actually got the idea from former All Black Andy Leslie, according to RugbyPass. Leslie had mentioned that when teams challenged the haka, the All Blacks enjoyed it when the team wouldn't challenge it 'full on'.
Therefore Anderson then got the idea to march towards the New Zealanders in an intimidating V-shape. Anderson explained in his book he was shouting at Kiwi captain Shelford, "We're gonna bate ya! We're gonna bate ya!"
If anything Anderson is underselling his challenge. In the video he is absolutely absorbed with emotion, it is an incredibly intimidating sight. The teams end up face to face, which is testament to how much courage this required.
After the chaos subsides, Anderson revs up the crowd at Lansdowne Road, throwing his arms into the air and jumping up and down as the atmosphere reaches boiling point. Ireland eventually lost the game 23-6, but will always be remembered for this marvellous effort.
3. Chabal's death stare - France
How do you battle one of the most intimidating sights in world rugby? You throw one of the most intimidating players in world rugby right into the mixer! Step forward Sebastien Chabal and France.
This is one of the rare instances where a bold challenge to Ka Mate has actually resulted in victory. It was the World Cup quarter-final in 2007, and a star-studded New Zealand team are performing the haka to France at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Les Bleus take this astounding position just a few feet away from the haka, and just stand there. What sticks out the most is the aura of of Sebastien Chabal, a hard-hitting fan favourite in France. He is overflowing with emotion as he smiles menacingly at the All Blacks. This is someone who is right up for the challenge and he's letting everyone know about it!
France would go on to win the match 20-18, making it that much sweeter.
2. Farrell's iconic smile - England
This challenge is without doubt one of the most revered in recent times. You can see it now, that monstrous V-shape, Joe Marler sporting the mohawk and of course Owen Farrell's iconic smile. World Cup semi-final, Yokohama 2019.
TJ Perenara led the haka that day, but his efforts could not match the challenge brought by England.
If the V-shape wasn't enough, watching the captain of the team stare at you with a cheeky grin will certainly get the blood flowing. It was sporting theatre from another planet.
England would come away with a hugely impressive victory, winning 19-7. They would lose out to South Africa in the final, but will be remembered for their performance in this match, and everything that built up to that point.
1. The day the earth stood still - Wales
Well, what else could be number one. No bias here, mind.
The freeze-frame of this stand-off will resonate with rugby fans across the globe as being one of the most iconic sporting images of the modern era.
It's Saturday, November 22, 2008. Wales face another mammoth task in trying to overcome a seemingly indestructible sporting powerhouse. So what do you do? You carry out one of the most intrepid acts seen on a sports field.
It was completely pre-planned and instigated by Wales boss Warren Gatland. The haka was only considered over when the opposition walked away, so Wales planned to stand firm.
Cemented in place like proud statues of defiance, offering a challenge never seen before in the game, it hasn't been replicated since. Wales simply stood completely still, in what felt like an age. For an act that seemed so timid and calm on paper, it created a rousing atmosphere of rippling tension at the then Millennium Stadium.
The referee struggled considerably to separate the two teams from the stalemated stare down, and it was in this moment that Wales etched their names into haka folklore.
Despite Wales losing 29-9, this day will always be remembered for the battle that took place before the war.
Honourable mentions
-
Brian O'Driscoll and Dwayne Peel's challenge in 2005
The Lions pair stepped forward and threw a blade of grass to accept the challenge of haka. O'Driscoll was spear tackled by Tana Umaga in the match and was out for the tour.
- David Campese's kicking practice in 1991
The Wallaby icon left this team-mates face the haka and just spent his time practicing goal kicking over his own posts. This moment was very unlucky not to be included in the top five, it was simply brilliant from the revered winger.
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