Aaron Smith leading the All Blacks in the haka. Source.

The Rugby World Cup is coming to the boil nicely (if not “reaching a crescendo”). Last night’s quarter-final between the All Blacks and Ireland was remarkable (if you missed it, do watch highlights on ITV). The final phase, when the All Blacks held out against wave upon wave of attacks (37 phases!), was a tense dénouement. Much as I love football (see under A sporting medley), the visceral impact of rugby, with its variety of team and individual skills, brute force and artistry, are on another dimension.

The All Black haka makes an awe-inspiring overture (I introduced it here, with some history, and flippant suggestions on suitable ripostes from other nations, including Bring me sunshine and The Rite of Spring!). The current edition additionally features a hoe carved wooden paddle:

Local Maori cultures evince variations in styles, handles, and blades of the hoe (some instances were presented to Captain Cook in 1769.). Its use in the haka reminds me impertinently of that of the chaoban in Daoist ritual (e.g. here).

I still find it extraordinary how rugby players (in few of whose daily lives traditional customs or ceremonial performance can play a major role) can enter the groove with such focus, and how an apparently secular situation can be instantly transformed into a ritual of such intensity.

Today we can also admire the Fiji team performing the cibi before their quarter-final with England!