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NEW ZEALAND will perform their traditional Haka when they compete against England today in the Autumn Nations Series.
The team aims to extend their winning streak to 10 when they take the field at Twickenham.
The Haka features vigorous shouting and the use of arms and legs to intimidate the opponent.
What are the lyrics to the Haka and is it always the same song?
New Zealand traditionally performs a song called Ka Mate, a war cry composed in 1820 by Maori chief Te Rauparaha.
The All Blacks first showcased it in 1888, but only at away matches until 1986.
The Ka Mate Haka is also performed during prominent funerals or to welcome foreign dignitaries.
In 2005, they introduced a newer version called Kapa O Pango, exclusive to the All Blacks rugby team and performed only during select matches.
Nowadays, whenever New Zealand steps onto the field, it's uncertain which version of the Haka they will perform.
During a match against South Africa, Read and Perenara led the team in performing Kapa O Pango.
Ka Mate Maori Lyrics
Kikiki! Kakaka!
Kauana kei waniwania taku tara
kei tarawahia, kei te rua i te kerokero!
He pounga rahui te uira
ka rarapa ketekete kau ana
To peru kairiri mau au e koro e!
Hi! Ha! – Ka wehi au ka matakana,
ko wai te tangata kia rere ure tirohanga
ngā rua rerarera
ngā rua kuri kakanui i raro! Aha ha!
Ka mate, ka mate! ka ora! ka ora!
Ka mate! ka mate! ka ora! ka ora!
Tēnei te tangata pūhuruhuru
Nāna nei i tiki mai whakawhiti te rā
Ā, upane! ka upane!
Ā, upane, ka upane, whiti te ra!
Ka Mate English Lyrics
Let your courage rise! Let your bravery roar!
We’ll fend off these haunting threats
while safeguarding our wives and children!
For you, I defy
the lightning bolts of hell
while my enemies stand there bewildered!
O God – to think I would tremble
before a pack of wolves seeing fear, or fleeing,
for they would surely fall into the pit of shame
as prey for the dogs who feast in delight! Oh, what in the name…?
‘Tis death! ’tis death! (or: I may die) ’Tis life! ‘tis life! (or: I may live)
’Tis death! ‘tis death! ’Tis life! ‘tis life!
This is the hairy man
Who calls forth the sun and makes it shine
A step upward, another step upward!
A step upward, another… the Sun shines!
Kapa O Pango Maori Lyrics
Kapa o pango kia whakawhenua au i ahau!
Hi aue, hi!
Ko Aotearoa e ngunguru nei!
Au, au, aue ha!
Ko Kapa o Pango e ngunguru nei!
Au, au, aue ha!
I ahaha!
Ka tu te ihiihi
Ka tu te wanawana
Ki runga ki te rangi e tu iho nei, tu iho nei, hi!
Ponga ra!
Kapa o Pango, aue hi!
Ponga ra!
Kapa o Pango, aue hi!
Kapa O Pango English Lyrics
Let me return to my first breath
It is New Zealand that roars now
And it is my time!
It is my moment!
The passion ignites!
This defines us as the All Blacks
And it is my time!
It is my moment!
The anticipation surges!
Feel the power
Our dominance rises
Our supremacy emerges
To be placed on high
Silver Fern!
All Blacks!
Silver Fern!
All Blacks!
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Who leads the Haka?
There are no strict rules regarding who should lead the Haka.
Typically, it is led by the captain, as was the case when Richie McCaw captained the team, but it can also be led by players of Maori descent who can speak the language and deliver the best performance.
Aaron Smith was the Haka leader during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but after the All Blacks' final defeat to South Africa, Smith retired from international duty.
In New Zealand’s recent victories over Ireland and Scotland, the Haka was led by hooker Codie Taylor.
