New Zealand uses haka to 'bring a little bit extra,' but not on World Cup pitch

VANCOUVER — Anyone tuning into New Zealand’s World Cup match versus Egypt expecting to see the world-famous haka will be disappointed. Few international sporting traditions are more recognizable than New Zealand's haka, but the All Whites have to leave it off the field at the World Cup. One commonly cited explanation is FIFA's tightly structured pre-match protocol, which leaves little room for additional ceremonies on the field. Other explanations point to the haka's strongest modern association with high-contact sports such as rugby, as well as the wide-ranging cultural makeup of New Zealand's national team. But that doesn’t completely stop the soccer team. They occasionally perform the haka in the pregame locker room. “It is something that we do rely upon,” said Chris Wood, New Zealand's all-time leader in goals. “It’s something that hopefully makes us a bit different from other nations around the world, and something that we use to our advantage to try and bring a little bit extra to us.” The ceremonial performance indigenous to the Māori people has captivated audiences for generations and has become a symbol of the country's presence on the international stage. In 1888, the New Zealand Native football team (called football, but technically rugby) began the tradition by performing a haka during an international tour. The haka gained traction in 1905, when it became an occasional pre-match ritual for the rugby team. It wasn't until 1986 that the team began implementing it before every match. Today, the world has seen viral videos of the haka, with a notable performance happening in a 2014 FIBA World Cup basketball game against the United States. An explanation of the haka on the All Blacks rugby team’s website describes the haka as preparing the team “mentally, physically and spiritually for battle on the rugby field.” Despite the soccer team not performing the ritual on the pitch for the world to see, the haka is still important to the team. “It’s a massive part of our heritage, and a massive part of where we come from,” Wood said. “It’s something that, as all Kiwis, we love and respect that side of our culture.” With Group G deadlocked at one point entering Sunday, 83rd-ranked New Zealand will welcome any advantage it can find against No. 28 Egypt as it chases its first-ever World Cup win and first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage. Carter Braun is a student in the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.