All Blacks Tell WSU’s Varsity Cup Rugby Team to Stop ‘Haka’

Wednesday, May 05, 2021 at 2:27 PM by Phumzile Ngcatshe

- The Walter Sisulu University Rugby team’s skipper Litha Nkula has explained why they are no longer doing the ‘haka’ used by New Zealand

- WSU Varsity Rugby Cup’s skipper Nkula says the haka used by the All Blacks has deep traditional values in New Zealand

- This comes after the WSU rugby side didn’t do the haka as they recently faced against FNB Rhodes at Tuks Stadium

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As they mimicked New Zealand rugby national team’s style or trademark is known as haka, Walter Sisulu University skipper Litha Nkula has explained why they have stopped it.

It is reported that the WSU FNB Varsity Cup’s team is no longer doing the haka in the second FNB Varsity Shield bubble.

Nkula said they were requested by the All Blacks to stop using their recognized mark as they usually enter the field.

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The WSU Rugby skipper Litha Nkula has explained why they are no longer performing the 'haka'. Image: @VarsityCup/Twitter
Source: Twitter

Nkula told VarsityCup:

"New Zealand Rugby asked us not to do the haka for now.

"They said they can maybe help us to do it in another way or form, because "Kapa O Panga" has deep and meaningful roots in New Zealand."

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Many of the team and tournament’s followers noticed the team based in the Eastern Cape did not perform the haka against FNB Rhodes at Tuks Stadium, which they went on to win 63-10.

Moreover, the WSU side also came under fire as they were accused on social media of ‘cultural misappropriation' after performing a mix of 'Ka Mate’ and ‘Kapa o Pango’ ahead of their clash opening encounter versus FNB DUT at Loftus Versfeld.

Briefly News reported that Wits captain Constant Beckerling, had social media in stitches on Monday night after his passionate, yet hilarious, post-match interview.