NEW HAKA IS DARKER The All Blacks performed a new haka in Dunedin, surprising the Springboks and the crowd with one they were heavily involved in creating, Kapa o Pango. Everyone was expecting the traditional Ka Mate, but the All Blacks sank to their knees instead of slapping their thighs, and the crowd began to cheer excitedly as the South Africans' eyes widened. A minute later, as the new routine finished with a throat-slitting gesture of unmistakeable meaning, the Carisbrook crowd roared its approval. All Black captain Tana Umaga says that the team wanted to make a contribution to the team's multicultural heritage. But he emphasised that Kapa o Pango would only be performed occasionally. "We might mix it up a bit, but Ka Mate is still central to the All Blacks culture," he said.

Kia whaka whenua au i ahau! Hi aue, hi! Ko Aotearoa e ngunguru nei! Au au aue ha! Ko kapa o pango e ngunguru nei! Au au aue ha! I ahaha, ka tu te ihihi, ka te tu wanawana! Ki runga ki te rangi e tu iho nei, tu iho nei, hi! Ponga ra! Kapa o Pango! Aue hi! Ponga ra! Kapa o Pango! Aue hi, ha!

Let me become one with the land at this moment. This, our land that rumbles. It's my time, my moment. This rumbling defines us as All Blacks. It's my time, my moment. We will triumph because of our greater strength. To be properly revered, placed on high... Silver Fern! All Blacks! Silver Fern! All Blacks!

(via rugbynews mailingliste)