Wallabies counter the haka with their ‘boomerang’ for the second straight Bledisloe Cup clash
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Wallabies counter the haka with their ‘boomerang’ for the second consecutive Bledisloe Cup clash – despite the All Blacks star insisting it’s ‘disrespectful’ to the Maori challenge
- Wallabies responded to the haka by taking the form of a boomerang. to stand
- They gave the same answer in Melbourne last week
- New Zealand star Rieko Ioane claimed the response was disrespectful
- But Wallabies coach Dave Rennie hit back at criticism, calling it ‘strange’
- All Blacks star Sam Whitelock said he had no problem with the reaction
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The Wallabies responded emphatically to the haka for the second Bledisloe Cup test, as they boomeranged again to the All Blacks.
The Aussies first rode the unusual riposte for the first Bledisloe test in Melbourne last week and took on the challenge again in Auckland on Saturday as they looked for a first win at Eden Park in 36 years.
As the All Blacks performed their ritual pre-match challenge, the Wallabies players closed their arms and formed a boomerang, before slowly walking toward their opponents.
The Wallabies responded to the haka by forming a boomerang in Eden Park on Saturday
Over the years, teams have tried different responses to the haka. Pacific countries with similar traditions, such as Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa, perform their own challenges during the haka.
Players from England, Wales and France marched towards the All Blacks during the haka, with the crowd trying to drown out the Maori ritual.
However, the Wallabies’ response has been criticized by New Zealand star Rieko Ioane, who accused his Trans-Tasman rivals of disrespecting the haka.
Australian coach Dave Rennie brushed off Ioane’s complaint, calling it “a little odd” and insisting the Wallabies not dump their pre-match reaction.
Over the years, the haka has received different reactions from opponents
“I know Rieko Ioane had a lot to say to our boys after the last try, as he watched Folau Fainga’a about disrespecting the haka,” the Wallabies coach said via Fox Sports.
“That’s a bit strange because as New Zealanders know, when a team does a haka, you respond with a haka. We don’t have the luxury of responding with a haka.
“So our response was like a boomerang and to move forward, and by taking on a challenge, we accept it.”
All Blacks star Rieko Ioane claimed the act was disrespectful to the haka
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie vowed his team will continue to use the boomerang in pre-match response
However, All Blacks captain Sam Whitelock said he welcomed the Australian response.
‘They do something they want to do to show that they are together as a country’ […] that’s cool,” he said.
“If they want to do something that makes them feel connected, that’s great. It probably adds to the occasion.”