Rugby: Haka makes me cringe - Meads

Rugby legend Colin Meads says the modern haka is "a joke" and believes it is hampering rather than helping the All Blacks.

Meads said last night that he often cringed when he watched the haka performed before tests.

He said the emphasis on the traditional Maori war dance did little to help the All Blacks and might hurt their chances against top international opposition.

"There is too much emphasis on the haka these days and it has become a bit of a joke," said Meads, who was named a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year's Honours.

"We were always proud to perform it, but now it's gone a bit over the top. They seem to do a different one every week and some of the guys put so much into it, it seems they've forgotten about what's ahead of them.

"They are putting too much emphasis on the haka and not enough on the game."

Meads said the haka was still an important part of All Black tradition and mana, but it should be toned down.

"We used to perform it overseas to keep warm and keep our opposition cold while they waited for us to finish. We never went overboard with it," he said. "I worry about the game, and I do think the haka is a problem."

Meads, who played 55 tests for the All Blacks in an illustrious career from 1957-71 and is widely regarded as the greatest of all New Zealand rugby players, said the game had changed dramatically since his day, when the New Zealand forward pack was the fear of world rugby.

He said he no longer got shivers when he saw the All Blacks run on to the field.

"It's not the same game, but it is still a great game. It used to be a game for all but now it has become a bit elitist - that's what money does."

Meads has served as national selector, All Blacks manager and New Zealand Rugby Football Union council member.

- NZPA