Ma’a Nonu Had To Do One Thing Before Answering The All Blacks’ Haka At Kings Park
- Ma’a Nonu found himself at the centre of a powerful Kings Park moment as the Sharks faced the All Blacks in Durban
- The former New Zealand star’s decision to respond to the traditional haka carried more significance than many fans may have realised
- Nonu has now revealed what happened before he stepped forward, adding an interesting detail to one of the tour’s standout moments
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Ma’a Nonu had to take an important step before answering the All Blacks’ haka at Kings Park, with the former New Zealand international revealing that he sought permission before performing his emotional response.
The Sharks were beaten 54-0 by the All Blacks in Durban on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, but Nonu’s response to New Zealand’s haka provided one of the evening’s most memorable moments.
After the All Blacks completed their haka, Nonu stepped forward and performed one of his own.
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Speaking to Sky Sports New Zealand, Nonu explained that he had first asked New Zealand for permission.
“I asked for permission [from New Zealand] in terms of doing it out of respect on behalf of our team, you know, on behalf of myself and my family,” Nonu said.
Nonu explains why he responded
The 104-cap former All Black said his motivation was rooted in respect for his former team.
“And I thought it was the right thing to do to answer the boys and the All Blacks,” he said.
Nonu also described facing his former side as a privilege.
“But it was great to see the boys play against them for the first time. It was such a privilege and an honour,” he said.
JP Pietersen reveals Nonu was nervous
Sharks coach JP Pietersen said Nonu had been nervous about performing the haka alone.
“He said doing the haka back is a sign of respect to the All Blacks,” Pietersen said.
“He was quite nervous to do the haka by himself.”
“I got goosebumps when I saw it,” he added.
The All Blacks now face the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday, 15 August, at 19:00.
Why Ma’a Nonu’s Kings Park haka became unforgettable
Briefly News previously reported that Ma’a Nonu produced a powerful solo haka response after the All Blacks performed their traditional challenge at Kings Park.
The moment came during a difficult night for the Sharks, but Nonu’s actions quickly became a major talking point. What happened before he stepped forward adds another dimension to the story.
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Source: Briefly News
