EDITORIAL - Kiwi haka demands respect

NATALIE GAULD
WHEN the line of Australian league players advanced towards the Kiwis during Saturday night's haka, I felt extremely uncomfortable.
It may have been tactics on the Kangaroos' part, but it was disrespectful.
From my vantage point in front of the television, it appeared young Israel Folau started to give them some lip until the TV cameras intervened.
Again, one step too far in my book.
Traditions, sporting or otherwise, should be respected.
The English recently took the unusual step of forming a huddle during the haka.
I believe this too is poor form - stand up and face your enemy.
Turning your back on anyone in any situation is just plain rude.
Don't moan and groan about having to watch the haka. Prepare yourself mentally and get on with the game.
If necessary, come up with your own pre-match tradition or ritual.
The Welsh showed how to do it with Sunday's rugby stand-off.
The fiery players stared down the All Blacks for a tense minute after the haka.
This tactic was obviously meant to shake the unshakeable All Blacks (points for trying lads).
The Welsh got their message across but didn't cross the line.
While the stand-off didn't result in an upset, it created great television and fired up the crowd.
Earlier in the week, the All Blacks showed their respect when Munster's New Zealand foursome performed their own haka.
No one's culture deserves to be dismissed.
It would be akin to one side talking during the national anthem.
You should sing your own anthem with gusto and be quiet during the opposition's version.
Sportsmanship can be shown before and after the game.
Thumbs up: To Greenmeadows Primary Public School students for their vocal recycling campaign.
Year 4 students contacted Hawke's Bay Today expressing their disappointment about recycling fees.
The school is classified as a business by council and face charges.
This is the wrong message to be sending future generations.
Let's hope the council reviews this decision in April.