All Blacks toughen up Haka
Worcester
September 28, 1999

The All Blacks have altered the actions that accompany their traditional pre-match Haka in an aim to further motivate the side before each of their World Cup games.
Captain Taine Randell revealed that the actions are "more appropriate to what the All Blacks are trying to do."
The new version will be used for the first time in public on Sunday when the New Zealander's face Tonga at Bristol. It will involve the beating of the player's chests rather than slapping their thighs and it is hoped all the players will have a more aggressive approach to the traditional All Black opening.
The air around Bristol's Ashton Gate will be rich with South Pacific symbolism on Sunday as the Tongans will also be performing their own `Ikale Tahi' before the game.
Their coach, Dave Waterston, believes his men are totally focused for Sunday's clash. "There are no prima donnas in this squad, they are pulling as one. If we can keep our heads for the opening quarter I think there could be an upset in the offering," he said.
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