Why do New Zealand perform the haka?
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Haka are traditional ceremonial dances that originate from native Maori culture in New Zealand.
Both the men's 'All Blacks' and women's 'Black Ferns' New Zealand rugby teams perform their own unique hakas.
These group performances incorporate chanting, stomping and facial expressions.
Traditionally, haka was a way to welcome and entertain visiting tribes, but it also served to prepare warriors before heading into battle.
It is also used to acknowledge achievements and to mark occasions or funerals.
The haka is also famously performed in sporting events to challenge the opposition before a match.
It sets out to prepare teams mentally, physically and spiritually while honouring and showing respect to the Maori culture.
It was first introduced in sport when the New Zealand Native rugby team toured the United Kingdom in 1888.
The haka soon became synonymous with New Zealand rugby and was incorporated as part of the All Blacks pre-game routine.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said "it is part of who we are, it's our DNA."
"It is not just about the All Blacks, it is about us as a country. It means a lot to us," he added.
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Which haka is performed?
The All Blacks adopted the famous 'Ka Mate' as their pre-game haka, but have used other variants since the 1980s.
Kapa o Pango, translated in Maori as 'team in black, is a haka specifically designed for the All Blacks and has been performed since 2005.
The All Blacks alternate between Ka Mate and Kapa o Pango at the team's discretion.
One player is assigned to lead the haka, often someone of Maori heritage - but this is not mandatory.
New Zealand's women's team also has their own unique haka, which was created specifically for the Black Ferns and first performed in 2013.
Called 'Ko Uhia Mai' - which translates to 'let it be known' - it represents pride, strength and unity of the team.
The haka is also performed by the New Zealand national rugby league teams - their version is known as 'Te Iwi Kiwi'.
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