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'Long-standing tradition': Former All Blacks coach defends haka amid call to bin it

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 30 Oct 2024, 6:39pm
England's Joe Marler, left, reacts to a decision during the Six Nations rugby union match between Scotland and England at Murrayfield stadium. Photo / AP
England's Joe Marler, left, reacts to a decision during the Six Nations rugby union match between Scotland and England at Murrayfield stadium. Photo / AP

'Long-standing tradition': Former All Blacks coach defends haka amid call to bin it

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 30 Oct 2024, 6:39pm

There's renewed debate about the haka's purpose after Joe Marler suggested it should be banned.

The English prop labelled it 'ridiculous' in a post on social media ahead of this week's rugby test at Twickenham.

Former All Blacks head coach Laurie Mains says the haka is a long-standing rugby tradition within the team - and Marler wouldn't understand its significance. 

"Who would want to take any offence at what Joe Marler says? After all, he's a front-row prop and he wouldn't have a clue where the haka stands in New Zealand rugby."

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