LOVE THEM OR hate them, the pre-match custom that World Rugby calls “Cultural Challenges” certainly bring a different atmosphere to the Rugby World Cup.
Four nations bring a pre-match ritual with them to England 2015 (excluding the just-plain-not-funny ‘Hakarena’ one opportunist advertiser came up with) and we got at least a glimpse of them all over the course of the weekend.
Tonga’s Sipi Tau
Fiji’s Cibi
If you want to hear it without Swing Low Sweet Chariot, check out the All Blacks responding to the challenge in 2011. Though we reckon a good loud sing-song is a pretty good way to greet the challenge. Imagine Fields of Athenry ringing around Twickenham while the Haka is in full flow before the final (such a wonderful dream).
New Zealand’s Haka
Samoa’s Siva Tau
So, leaving aside whether you think these ceremonial chants give the likes of Fiji and Tonga an unfair advantage or not, which of the four do you like best?
