Intimidating

Fearsome All Blacks increase Haka aggression

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Posted: Tuesday September 28, 1999 05:47 PM

New Zealand's All Blacks are taking a new tack in their push to win the Rugby World Cup. John Gichigi/Allsport

BROMSGROVE, England (AP) -- The sight of 15 battle-ready All Blacks thundering through a Haka is set to become even more fearsome as the New Zealanders make some aggressive improvisations for the World Cup.

A Maori dance, the Haka is the trademark end to New Zealand's pre-match buildup.

The World Cup favorites have been holding practice Haka sessions alongside regular training sessions at their training base and will debut the new moves before kicking off their Cup campaign Sunday against Tonga in Bristol.

The changes involve more aggressive actions and gestures -- including the slapping of chests instead of thighs at critical points.

 

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