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The Evolution of the Haka

As one of the most revered spectacles in world sport, the Haka is a passionate, culturally symbolic expression and an iconic part of rugby.

Richie McCaw leads the All Blacks against South Africa. Source: Getty
Richie McCaw leads the All Blacks against South Africa. Source: Getty

In it's current form, the pre-game ritual is equal parts spine-tingling as it is intimidating, but that was not always the case.

This was the traditional war dance performed during New Zealand's 1972-73 tour of Britain, Ireland and France.

Unsurprisingly, this was the first All Blacks team to lose to the invitational Barbarians team, who were probably wondering what they had just witnessed.

Over the years, the Haka has evolved in both choreography and intensity. The Haka was previously only performed overseas, but with the 1987 Rugby World Cup on home soil, it was performed in New Zealand for the first time.

The new Haka, introduced in 2005, known as 'Kapa O Pango' was written specifically for the All Blacks and simply translates to 'team in black'.

All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu helped kick off the Rugby World Cup in Covent Garden, London, performing the Haka.

The video below provides more insight on the cultural significance of the Haka and how what it means to the people of New Zealand.

With the tournament capturing the imagination of the world, CNN recruited Jonah Lomu to explain just what the Haka means to him.

With the All Blacks starting every game on the front foot with the Haka, this year England thought they would try their hand at their own version

Former England captain and World Cup winner Matt Dawson and players from the Battersea Ironsides got together to film a video in support of their team, taking aim at the Haka and turning it into the Macarena.

That didn't work out too well for them, they got knocked out in the pool stages.