Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: NZ Maori Haka vs Fijian Cibi

Thursday, June 19, 2008

NZ Maori Haka vs Fijian Cibi - Pacific Nations Cup

In atrocious conditions that came close to being unplayable, New Zealand Maori edged out Fiji 11-7 in their Pacific Nations Cup encounter at a drenched Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji, on Saturday.

The game almost didn’t happen because of the weather in fact, but the decision was made to continue with it and when it did, it started off with the brilliant display of two traditional war dances going head to head, 20 meters apart from each other.

The Maori team start off, then as you hear the roar of the crowd, that’s when the Fijians start their challenge, the Cibi.

It’s a great moment as the Maori, led by Piri Weepu, seemingly pause to take in the challenge and wait for the Fijians to finish, then they continue with their version of the Haka, the Timatanga.

The weather seems to add to the atmosphere too, so sit back and enjoy as it’s a pretty special sight watching these two teams perform their great traditions, especially in times of such professionalism and changes in rugby.

Note: The audio problems at the beginning were part of the feed, so unavoidable unfortunately.
Time: 3:20

Amazing its scary just watching it i think that Piri weepu should play for the All Blacks. Did Napolini Nalaga play for fiji????

By Anonymous, at June 19, 2008 2:50 pm
lol having fun playing in a swamp :D

By sebastian, at June 19, 2008 3:00 pm
lol that was awesome, its cool how NZ stop mid haka n watch them :D btw good question chazza Did Napolini Nalaga play for fiji????

By Anonymous, at June 19, 2008 4:21 pm
That looked great!!

By Anonymous, at June 19, 2008 4:22 pm
Nalaga play for Fiji?
Are you kidding me?

Clermont would never release one of their in-form players with the semi finals approaching.

Infact many Fijians can't and won't play in the Pacific Nations Cup.

Northern Hemisphere clubs do a great job of developing island players but sometimes it can be a pain in the ass to get players released to play for their countries...well mainly the French clubs won't release them

By Anonymous, at June 19, 2008 4:47 pm
Yeah Nalaga didn't play. Wings were Delasau & Nagusa. Stormers wing Naqelevuki played in the center incidentally.

Love this. There must have been a weird awkward sort of moment though, just as the Fijians jumped at the end of their chant, turned around to walk off, all pumped up, then realised they'd have to re-huddle to face the Maori's still. So they huddle quickly, then it's over. lol :P

By Anonymous, at June 19, 2008 5:21 pm
what kit are fiji wearing? because i thought that there new home kit was light blue? but i like that new white strip!

By Anonymous, at June 19, 2008 10:53 pm
Oh that was excellent...rich tradition love it! The Maori totally threw off Fiji, when they thought it was over ...lol..classic mind games!

By Anonymous, at June 20, 2008 6:04 pm
The RWC jersey had light blue lining on the sides...this is the new Kooga jersey with a traditional Fijian print on the right shoulder.

Fiji overseas based players not in PNC:

Nalaga (Clermont)
Kunavore (Toulouse)
Bai (Clermont)
Qovu (Racing Metro)
Bobo (Racing Metro)
Tamanisau (Toulon)
Koyamaibole (Padova - just joined Toulon)
Soqeta (Taranaki)
Naikatini (Wellington)
Domolailai (Tarbes)
Daunivucu (Tarbes)
Little (Padova)
Nanuku (Castre)
Ligairi (Brive)
Bolavucu (Brive)
Caucau (unattached)
Rabeni (Leicester)

By Anonymous, at June 20, 2008 6:13 pm
@Sharky
"There must have been a weird awkward sort of moment though, just as the Fijians jumped at the end of their chant, turned around to walk off, all pumped up, then realised they'd have to re-huddle to face the Maori's still. So they huddle quickly, then it's over"

NOT REALLY, THE MAORIS HAVE DONE THAT BEFORE AGAINST FIJI IN 2005. THE FIJIAN PLAYERS KNEW THEY WOULD PAUSE AND STILL HAD ABIT TO GO, THEY ALSO DID THE SAME THING AGAINST TONGA THE WEEK BEFORE AND WOULD DO THE SAME AGAINST THE SAMOANS.

By Anonymous, at June 21, 2008 12:07 am